Indonesian publisher Penerbit Tiga Serangkai apologised this week for a children's book written by Fita Chakra 'I Learn Self-Control' that raised the topic of masturbating during childhood.
In a statement on its Instagram account on Monday, it said: "We apologise profusely.
"As a form of accountability, we pulled the book from circulation in December 2016."
Indonesia is a largely conservative country where the school curriculum is yet to adopt sexual education. Parts of the government and civil society groups for the education system to introduce sex ed.
However, the Indonesian Child Protection Commission English-language publication 'The Jakarta Post' that people incorrectly believed it would encourage children to have sex.
Regardless, a spokesperson from the commission criticised 'I Learn Self-Control'. It said in a statement in Indonesian media on Tuesday that the story was not "child friendly" and could lead to "sexual perversion".
The public have also expressed their concern.
An Instragram user said they believed "the content [of this book] is very dangerous to share with children if they read it. Hopefully parents take caution when buying this book for their children".
Another Instagram user said: "This book is bad! Immediately pull it from circulation."
Penerbit Tiga Serankai said the book, which contains two stories: 'I Dare to Sleep Alone' and 'I Learn Self-Control' was intended to educate children and help them protect themselves from sexual abuse and sexually transmitted diseases.
Some of the Indonesian public have responded to the book with concern. Source: Instagram
In a part of 'I Learn Self-Control', an illustration shows a boy wrapping himself around a bolster.
"I cross my legs around a bolster tightly. For fun, I move my body up and down. Oh, it turns out...this feels good. My heart is pounding, but I am happy."
Penerbit Tiga Serangkai said in its statement this part of the story aimed to show that infants "playing" with themselves was a normal part of childhood development.
But it added that it was a concern if children continued to do so as they grew older and it "became masturbation".
It said masturbating was inappropriate and "a health risk", and the book aimed to generate awareness about masturbation to help parents prevent it.
"Ultimately, we realise that some of our society may not be ready to receive early sex education."
While the publisher is no longer selling the book, it is still available at some online stores.
SBS News has reached out to Fita Chakra for comment.
