The editor-in-chief of Playboy Indonesia went on trial yesterday on charges of publishing indecent material — a crime that carries a maximum punishment of more than 2 1/2 years in prison.

A prosecutor told the South Jakarta District Court that Erwin Arnada oversaw photo shoots and published pictures of female models in underwear, some showing partially exposed breasts.

“The models also had inviting expressions on their faces,” Resni Muchtar said, adding that the magazine included lascivious and lustful comments.

The defense, which was not required to enter a plea, said it would respond to the charge at a later hearing.

Indonesia is the world’s most populous Islamic nation, with some 190 million practicing a mostly moderate form of the faith. Playboy launched a toned-down version of its magazine in the country in April to protests from conservatives demanding it be taken off the streets. The magazine kept publishing but moved its editorial offices to the mostly Hindu Bali island.

Unlike its American version and editions in dozens of other countries, Indonesian Playboy contains no nudity.

The trial was adjourned until December 14, when witnesses will be called.

After the hearing, Mr. Arnada said that “as a good citizen, he would follow the legal process accordingly.”