Jakarta – The Java and Lampung chapters of the Indonesian Ulema Council (MUI) have issued a fatwa that debus, the Banten traditional martial art, is haram or forbidden under Islamic law if magical things are used during the performance.

The verdict was decided after 150 members of the organization gathered in Serang for a two-day meeting on Tuesday and Wednesday.

Head of the MUI's Banten chapter overseeing international and public affairs Aminuddin Ibrahim said that debus and other similar martial arts would be categorized as haram should they use magic spells and help from devils.

"But we will allow traditional martial arts that are practiced for reasons of health or fitness which do not involve magic," Aminuddin told Antara state news agency.

He added the decision was not aimed at eliminating debus as an icon of Banten specifically, as the rule would be the same for similar martial arts in other regions across the country. (ewd)