Indonesia warns against AI as primary source for Islamic guidance while promoting AI social‑interaction apps

Indonesia’s Ministry of Religious Affairs cautioned the public, especially young people, not to rely on artificial intelligence as the main reference for Islamic teachings. The warning followed a viral TikTok account featuring a preacher presented as an AI‑generated figure, prompting officials to stress that religious fatwas must come from qualified scholars and validated sources.

At the same time, Indonesian developers are showcasing new AI‑driven applications that aim to enhance social interaction. One such app, HoWePlay, uses AI to match participants at events based on Chinese astrological data, displaying compatibility scores on-screen and encouraging face‑to‑face connections. Developers say the technology is intended to complement, not replace, human interaction.