The government of Indonesia has just banned Apple from selling the iPhone 16 and Apple Watch 10 in the country. Well, it’s the sale and use of the iPhone 16 and the Apple Watch 10 series that was deemed illegal because of an unmet investment commitment by Apple.
The tech giant had initially pledged an investment of around $109 million for establishing local research and development (R&D) facilities in Indonesia but has only invested $95 million to date. As a result, the Indonesian Ministry of Industry has blocked International Mobile Equipment Identity (IMEI) certification for these devices, which essentially prohibits their legal use within the country.
Indonesia’s Industry Minister, Agus Gumiwang Kartasasmita, firmly backed the enforceability of the ban, urging all citizens to report any operational iPhone 16 devices found within the country. He declared:
If there is an iPhone 16 that can operate in Indonesia, that means that I can say the device is illegal. Do report it to us.
The recent ban in Indonesia places restrictions on the sale and use of specific electronic devices. Nevertheless, tourists and airline crew members have the freedom to bring up to two iPhone 16 devices into the country for their personal use. It’s important to note that these people must refrain from selling the devices while in Indonesia, to ensure compliance with local regulations.
Under Indonesian law, foreign companies must meet a 40% local content requirement to operate in the country, which is verified through the Domestic Component Level (TKDN) certification. Companies can fulfill this requirement by manufacturing products locally, developing software domestically, or establishing research and development (R&D) centers.
This regulation aims to boost local employment and strengthen Indonesia’s technology sector, ensuring that companies adhere to their investment commitments in the region.
Good initiative. Wonder when we can get all the automotive old giants and other industries/companies to account in Pakistan