In the predominantly Muslim country of Indonesia, an author who used to work for Playboy as an editor was arrested and jailed on charges of public indecency. It was a powerful victory for the Islamist extremists in Indonesia, which has one of the large Muslim populations in the whole world. Erwin Arnada was initially exonerated in 2007 after being sued by the Islamist Defenders Front(FPI), a terrorist organization masquerading as a non-violent group that dubbed the author a "terrorist" and loudly condemned him and his actions. The localized Playboy magazine was forced out of business in Indonesia shortly before Arnada was imbroiled in the lawsuit.
His victory in the court in 2007 was initially victory for the freedom of speech in Indonesia. However, that victory was short-lived when he was arrested again recently. The Islamist Defenders Front managed to get their appeal answered the newer court overturned the original ruling. The increasing extremism of politics in Indonesia is demonstrated by the passing of the law that made pornography illegal in all its forms. Many Indonesians protested the harsh law, especially the more Westernized locality of Bali, where foreigners frequently visit. Will Indonesia become another Iran? It probably will, if the extremists manage to dominate the whole of Indonesian politics.
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