Editor of Indonesian Playboy on trial for 'indecency'

Jakarta - The editor of the Indonesian version of Playboy went on trial accused of publishing "indecent" material in the first issues of the adult magazine in the world's largest Muslim-populated nation.

As editor-in-chief Erwin Arnada, 42, was responsible for the choice of materials in his publications and "engaged, ordered and took part with others" in publishing indecent materials, prosecutor Agung Ardianto told the South Jakarta district court.

The charges carries up to 32 months in jail.

"The actions of the defendant have violated the sense of decency," the prosecutor said.

Playboy's April debut issue featured several models on its cover and in articles inside, showing ample cleavage and lengthy legs but little else.

The plan to publish Playboy was strongly protested by Muslim hardliners, and some groups later attacked his office in Jakarta, forcing the magazine to move to the predominantly-Hindu resort island of Bali.

Playboy suspended operations shortly after its debut amid strident protests, but published a second issue -- without any advertising and with equally demure content -- in June.

Despite most Indonesians practising a very tolerant form of Islam, religious leaders in the world's largest Muslim nation have complained that Playboy would corrupt a culture already inundated by Western influences.

Far more raunchy men's magazines, including local versions of British ones, however are already readily available.

Judge Efran Basuning said the trial would resume in one week to hear witnesses.

Two models featured in the debut edition are also scheduled to face charges of indecency but a date for their trials has yet to be set.

Activists on Wednesday filed a lawsuit against parliament over a controversial anti-pornography bill that would criminalize kissing in public and erotic dancing. -- AFP

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