JAKARTA, Indonesia - Indonesian Muslims reacted angrily Friday to a purported plan by Playboy to launch a local version of its magazine in the world's most populous Muslim nation.
Playboy representatives in the United States were not available for comment, but Indonesian businessman Avianto Nugroho claimed he had secured the licence to publish the magazine.
He said it would be launched in March and - like a toned down version of the racy magazine the company plans to launch soon in India - it would not contain nude photos.
The company already publishes local editions in 17 other countries.
Nugroho said Indonesian Muslims "did not need to worry" about the magazine because of its more conservative content.
But hardline Muslim group Majelis Mujahidin Indonesia said it would protest if the magazine hit the shelves.
"Different or not, Playboy is Playboy. It is a porn magazine," said group chairman Irfan Awas.
"Those are the words of the businessmen. The magazine will damage the morality of the nation," he said.
Most Indonesians practice a moderate form of Islam, and most women do not cover their head and often dress in tight fitting clothing.
Pornography is illegal, but widely available.
Scantily clad women are a staple of local magazines aimed at men, and foreign publications like FHM already publish local editions.
