Widodo suffers blow as opponents get key posts in Indonesian parliament

Indonesian opposition politicians won key posts in parliament yesterday after new leader Joko Widodo's supporters stormed out of a rowdy opening session, heightening fears a divided legislature will hinder his ambitious reforms.

Parliament convened on Wednesday for a new term dominated by parties that backed ex-general Prabowo Subianto in July's presidential election, which he lost to Widodo, the country's first leader without deep roots in its autocratic past.

Prabowo's backers had already flexed their muscles in the final days of the previous parliament last week by voting to scrap the direct election of local leaders, a heavy blow for Widodo, who described it as a step back for the young democracy.

They sought to keep up the momentum at the 560-member legislature's opening by ensuring their supporters were chosen as the speaker and four deputy speakers, key figures as they steer debates on new laws.

The opposing sides locked horns in a heated, all-night debate, with the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle of Widodo demanding that nominations for the posts be delayed due to the late hour.

But the opposition insisted the jobs be filled immediately, prompting Widodo's supporters to storm the speaker's podium in the early hours, and to walk out shortly afterwards.

This left the parties backing Prabowo, which control 63 per cent of seats, with no opposition to their choices, which were confirmed early yesterday.