Alfian, Jakarta – The House of Representatives almost unanimously passed on Tuesday a new electricity bill into law, which will allow each region to apply different electricity rates.

Energy and Mineral Resources Minister Purnomo Yusgiantoro told reporters after the House plenary session that the region-based tariff was a positive development initiated by the newly passed bill.

"Now, the tariff in Menteng [upmarket area in Central Jakarta] equals that in remote areas. With the new law, the tariff in regions may be different depending on the people's purchasing power," Purnomo said.

Nine out of 10 factions at the House approved the bills, with the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDIP) abstaining instead of voting against. "The new law poses a threat to the territorial integrity of Indonesia," PDIP lawmaker Isma Yatun said.

Hundreds of labor union activists rallied outside the House building during the plenary session, demanding that the lawmakers reject the bill.