Indonesia’s Minister of Industry, Agus Gumiwang Kartasasmita, has confirmed that the iPhone 16 is still illegal in Indonesia, as Apple has not yet fulfilled its investment obligations. Despite the growing anticipation for Apple’s flagship product, the Indonesian government has not granted certification due to an outstanding investment commitment. This leaves the iPhone 16 off the shelves and unregistered in Indonesia.
Indonesia’s Ministry of Industry has announced that Apple’s iPhone 16 is not yet approved for sale in the country. Despite the tech giant’s efforts to penetrate the Indonesian market, the government has withheld certification until Apple fulfills its investment commitment of Rp 1.71 trillion. As of now, Apple has only invested Rp 1.48 trillion, leaving a gap of Rp 240 billion. Minister Agus Gumiwang confirmed on Tuesday (22/10) that until this obligation is met, iPhone 16 sales remain illegal in Indonesia.
The Minister emphasized that iPhone 16 devices currently circulating in Indonesia are considered illegal. Without the necessary International Mobile Equipment Identity (IMEI) registration, any operational iPhone 16 devices are unapproved. “If iPhone 16 is already in use here, it’s illegal. Please report it to us,” Agus Gumiwang stated.
In addition to the IMEI issue, the delay is also attributed to the expiration of Apple’s certification under the Domestic Component Level (TKDN) regulations. Apple must renew its TKDN certification, which is contingent on fulfilling its investment promises. The Indonesian government views the current level of investment as insufficient given Apple’s market presence in the country.
Apple has expressed its commitment to the Indonesian market, mentioning its investment in initiatives like the Apple Developer Academy. However, Indonesian officials argue that Apple must go further, urging the company to establish research and development (R&D) facilities locally. This would create jobs and strengthen the country’s tech industry.
Agus Gumiwang further emphasized that other international companies investing in Indonesia have successfully met their obligations, citing the importance of fairness in the business environment. The minister also hinted at revising regulations governing tech companies to ensure a more robust and equitable investment process for all stakeholders.
Read More: Indonesian Authorities Transfer Two Online Gambling Money Laundering Suspects to Batam Prosecutors
Until Apple meets its investment obligations, Indonesian consumers will have to wait for the iPhone 16’s official launch. The Ministry of Industry, alongside other government bodies such as Customs and the Ministry of Communication and Information, continues to monitor any illegal circulation of the device.
For international consumers, particularly in neighboring Singapore, this delay underscores the complexities of market entry in Southeast Asia. While iPhone 16 is available in other regions, Indonesian buyers may face challenges in acquiring the device legally until Apple resolves its investment gap.
Indonesia’s government has declared the iPhone 16 illegal until Apple fulfills its remaining Rp 240 billion (approximately SGD 20,400,000) investment commitment. Without certification or IMEI registration, the iPhone 16 remains unavailable in the Indonesian market, though Apple has expressed its desire to launch the product soon.
Sources: CNN Indonesia, Suara.com (2024)
Keywords: iPhone 16 Illegal, Indonesia Ban, Apple Investment Commitment
