Indonesia Playboy editor on trial

Erwin Arnada said the magazine contained no nudity

The editor of Playboy magazine in Indonesia has gone on trial on charges of publishing indecent material.

Erwin Arnada, 42, oversaw photo shoots and selected revealing pictures for the magazine, prosecutors said.

Mr Arnada has argued that the magazine, which went on sale earlier this year, contained no nudity and was tamer than other Western-style magazines on sale.

Meanwhile, activists have filed a lawsuit against parliament over a controversial anti-pornography bill.

They say the legislation - which would make kissing in public and erotic dancing illegal - would impose strict Islamic values and threaten the country's reputation for tolerance.

Angry protests

The Indonesian version of Playboy went on sale for the first time last April, featuring several scantily-clad models but no nudity.

The magazine drew weeks of protests, despite the fact that pornography is widely available in Indonesia. Muslim groups in particular were worried about its effect on local morals.

News of Playboy's launch drew street protests in Indonesia

The publishers - who brought out a second edition with similar content in June - had to move locations after their offices were stoned.

Prosecutors told South Jakarta District Court that as editor with responsibility for the magazine's content, Mr Arnada had "engaged, ordered and took part with others" in publishing indecent materials.

The trial has been adjourned until 14 December when witnesses will be called.

The Playboy issue has been part of a wider debate in Indonesia, where an anti-pornography bill is waiting to be voted on by parliament.

Critics say the draft law is too vaguely worded and could lead to women, Hindus and traditional tribes being discriminated against.

An alliance of activists are hoping to get a court order to force parliament to stop the legislation proceeding.

"This is a threat that we have to stop before it divides the country," said Frankie Sahilatua of the "Unity in Diversity" alliance.

Indonesia is the world's most populous Muslim country, although most people's interpretation of the faith is generally seen as moderate.