Fadli, Bintan – A group of Muslim organizations are protesting a planned beach party organized by a five-star hotel in Bintan and have asked the local authorities to put a stop to the event.

The groups said they consider beach parties a form of pornography, thus violating the Anti-Pornography Law.

"A beach party isn't in line with our culture. And besides, it clearly violates the Anti-Pornography Law. Thus there is no reason to continue the plan, including the reason to consider such a party part of our tourism. There are other ways to support tourism," Riau Islands Indonesia Ulema Council (MUI) head Tengku Azhari Abbas told The Jakarta Post on Thursday.

Riau Tourism Agency head Akib Rahman said the local government supported the beach party as it could help promote local tourism. "Besides, the hotel is located far from resident's houses. There is nothing to worry about," he said.