Indonesia has said it will ban YouTube unless the website removes an anti-Muslim film by a Dutch lawmaker within 48 hours.

The government sent a letter to the site informing it of its demand on Tuesday, Indonesia's Communications and Information Minister, Mohammad Nuh, said.

"If it [the film] is not removed within two days, we will block YouTube in cooperation with Internet service providers," Nuh added.

Anti-immigration politician and Dutch lawmaker, Geert Wilders, posted the 15-minute film on liveleak.com on Friday. It has since been available on other blogs and file-sharing sites, including YouTube.

Indonesia is the world's most populous Muslim nation, but its government is secular. Hardline interpretations of the faith generally do not attract much support.

President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono, who relies on the support of several Islamic parties in parliament, has condemned the film and urged protesters in Indonesia - a former Dutch colony - to remain calm.

HSH/JG/BGH