Tinder-style app for polygamous marriages in Indonesia stirs controversy

A Tinder-style dating app in Indonesia that aims to bring together men and women interested in polygamous marriages has stirred controversy and debate.

Polygamy is legal in Indonesia, where a man is allowed to be married to up to four women at a time.

Lindu Pranayama, the 35-year-old developer of the app called AyoPoligami, said the idea came to him a year ago when he was scrolling through a dating app.

"A lot of men are looking to engage in polygamous marriages but when they go to regular dating sites or apps they don't see options that cater for polygamy," said Mr Pranayama.

The app, which has registered 10,000 users since its launch in April - around 60 per cent of whom are men - has gender-specific chatrooms for users to discuss their experiences in polygamy or ask for advice.

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It allows users to swipe left or right on a person's profile to signal their willingness - or not - to meet them, much like the popular mobile dating app Tinder.

Under Indonesian law, a man needs formal consent from his first wife and approval by a religious court to enter into a polygamous marriage. Legal experts say some men try to avoid the approval process, however.

Mr Pranayama said security on the app was tightened after fake accounts started to appear. The app will resume accepting new members on Thursday, he said.

Women's rights activist Zakia Tunisa said the app was "upsetting and shocking".

"The app gives a stimulus for polygamy to be accepted in society and maybe even compelling women to accept it," said Ms Tunisa, an activist at Women's Solidarity for Human Rights.

Three female users who spoke on the condition of anonymity said they were open to entering into polygamous marriages. One said she was more "open minded" than her parents who oppose polygamous relationships.

Iyus Yusuf Fasyiyah, 37, who is married to two women, said he uses the app to discuss with other members the experience of being in a polygamous marriage.

"Me and my wives, we're committed to showing people that polygamy isn't as scary as they think," he said. His wives declined to comment.

Dr Afridi's warning signs of digital addiction

Spending an excessive amount of time on the phone.

Neglecting personal, social, or academic responsibilities.

Losing interest in other activities or hobbies that were once enjoyed.

Having withdrawal symptoms like feeling anxious, restless, or upset when the technology is not available.

Experiencing sleep disturbances or changes in sleep patterns.

What are the guidelines?

Under 18 months: Avoid screen time altogether, except for video chatting with family.

Aged 18-24 months: If screens are introduced, it should be high-quality content watched with a caregiver to help the child understand what they are seeing.

Aged 2-5 years: Limit to one-hour per day of high-quality programming, with co-viewing whenever possible.

Aged 6-12 years: Set consistent limits on screen time to ensure it does not interfere with sleep, physical activity, or social interactions.

Teenagers: Encourage a balanced approach – screens should not replace sleep, exercise, or face-to-face socialisation.

Source: American Paediatric Association