Indonesia's Constitutional Court in Jakarta has ruled that traditional customs and dancing cannot be equated with pornography. The ruling was given in connection with tough anti-pornography legislation passed by the Indonesian parliament in 2008.

The legislation outlaws obscene body movements and acts which could violate public decency. The lack of definition in the law has meant that traditional customs and dress have been considered pornographic. They include Java's sensual Jaipongan dance and the koteka penis gourd worn by Papuan tribes.

The court has not rejected the legislation itself, but has ruled that it cannot be used against cultural expression. Civil rights and minority groups are not totally satisfied with the ruling. They point out that cultural expression has still not been defined properly.