Jakarta – The Indonesian parliament Thursday passed a new bill that controls demonstrations and protests in the country, which is being plagued by violence and protests.

The bill, submitted late last month by the government, was passed during a plenary session of the 500-member parliament, also attended by Justice Minister Muladi and Armed Forces Commander Gen. Wiranto, who also is minister of defense.

"It has gone through a long and grueling process," Wiranto said after the session. "Finally, it was fully accepted by both the parliament and the government." Departing from the original draft, the new bill doesn't limit the number of protesters, but requires the organizers to name those responsible for every 100 participants.

It also allows demonstrations, rallies and public gatherings outside the presidential and vice presidential palaces, house of worships, military installations, hospitals, airports and seaports, train stations and bus terminals, within a certain radius.

Protests would only be permitted at a 100-meter radius from the palaces' fences; a 150-meter radius from the military installations; and a 500-meter radius from other strategic sites. Labor strike and freedom of expression in the media as well as religious and campus activities were excluded from the bill that bans protests during national holidays.

There is no need for police permits, but the organizers have to notify the police three days in advance at the latest, and one day in advance for any cancellation. The police are obliged to guard the protests. Otherwise, they can face either criminal, civil or administrative sanctions.