The Indonesian version of the magazine, which does not feature nudity, drew the ire of the protesters, who ripped up copies of the magazine.
Shouting “Allahu Akbar” (God is greatest), the crowd threw rocks at the lobby, breaking windows in the building.
The protests were organized by the Islamic Defenders Front (FPI), a group known for militant action. In prior attacks, the group has targeted bars that sell alcohol during Muslim fasting periods and massage parlors.
Playboy is not the first men’s magazine to hit the stands in Indonesia. Local versions of Maxim and FHM, along with domestic magazines that feature scantily clad women, are quite popular.
The first issue of Playboy sold out quickly, and according to reports on Aljazeera.net, copies of the magazine are changing hands at three times the cover price.
This most recent incident comes amidst the backdrop of protests over various proposed anti-pornography bills. Those bills drew comments from both religious leaders and women’s rights activists. While legislation is still pending, Indonesia looks to be contemplating adoption of laws that would curb the distribution of pornography.
