Indonesian Playboy Magazine Suspends Operations

(Jakarta, Indonesia) Although it's considered tamer than existing glossy magazines on sale, Playboy has caused some rioting in Indonesia.

From KhaleejTimes.com:

The Indonesian edition of US adult magazine Playboy has suspended operations for security reasons in the wake of violent protests by Muslim hardliners, its editor said on Thursday.

"For the time being, we are prioritizing security. We have vacated our office and we have halted our operational activities," chief editor Erwin Arnada told reporters.

The announcement follows violent demonstrations by the hardline Islamic Defenders Front (FPI) over the publication of the magazine, a toned-down version, which does not carry nudes.

About 300 members attacked the local publisher's office last week, smashing windows, injuring two policemen and tearing up copies of the magazine which had quickly sold out after debuting this month.

Frankly, I believe that the protests against Playboy have less to do with its content and more to do with the fact that the magazine is a prominent icon of Western civilization. Hardline Muslim followers probably see its publication as breaking down a significant cultural barrier.

Companion post at Diggers Realm.