The House of Representatives passed a welfare bill into law Thursday, requiring all social organizations, including foreign-based ones, to register their operations with the Indonesian government.

Social Affairs Minister Bachtiar Chamsjah said the registration with his office aimed at preventing malicious practices among socially active groups.

"Any unregistered organization will face a series of punishments," he warned after a House plenary meeting to endorse the bill.

According to Article 49 of the law, the punishments comprise of a written warning, temporary ban, permanent ban and fines.

Bachtiar assured that the registration would be fast, easy and free of charge as mandated under the recent measure.

Foreign organizations operating in Indonesia must also register to ensure they do not "cross the line".

"Who can guarantee that foreign social organizations stay on tracks while operating here? (Any of their violations) would be dangerous," the minister said.

Article 50 of the law stipulates that a government regulation will be issued to monitor the activities of foreign social organizations in the country.

According to the law, central and local administrations are also required to list all social forums operating in their territories.

The law also recommends certification and accreditation of groups and their workers.

"The certification and accreditation are part of efforts to support the professionalism of organizations and individuals while carrying out their social welfare activities," Bachtiar said.

The law defines social welfare activities as social rehabilitation, insurance, protection and empowerment.

The head of the House's Commission VIII overseeing social affairs, Hasrul Azwar, said the passage of the law was urgent and responded to the current issue of poverty, which remains a key problem in the country.

The House-initiated law was approved by all factions in the legislature during the plenary meeting.

However, the law was quickly opposed by several NGOs, led by the People's Anti-Impoverishment Movement (GAPRI).

In a press statement, the GAPRI called for all sides to file a request for the Constitutional Court to review the newly passed bill, which replaced the 1974 social welfare law.

"The passage of the law strengthens the indication that House members do not understand the substance of welfare for the people," the GAPRI said.

"The new law will not guarantee that Indonesian people will enjoy better welfare in the future."

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