In a significant regulatory move, the Indonesian government has officially prohibited the sale and use of Apple’s iPhone 16 and Apple Watch Series 10 within the country. This decision stems from Apple’s incomplete fulfillment of its investment commitments in Indonesia, where it had pledged an investment of IDR 1.71 trillion (approximately $109 million) toward establishing local research and development (R&D) facilities.
Indonesian Industry Minister Agus Gumiwang Kartasasmita made the government’s position clear, stating, “If there is an iPhone 16 operating in Indonesia, that means the device is illegal. Do report it to us.” To date, Apple has invested IDR 1.48 trillion (around $95 million), falling short of its initial commitment, prompting the Ministry of Industry to halt the issuance of International Mobile Equipment Identity (IMEI) certification for these Apple devices.
However, tourists and airline crew members are permitted to bring up to two iPhone 16 devices for personal use while in Indonesia, according to the state news agency Antara. Any attempt to sell these devices locally would constitute a violation of the imposed restrictions.
Under Indonesian law, foreign technology companies must meet a minimum of 40% local content to operate within the country, per the Domestic Component Level (TKDN) certification. This requirement can be satisfied through local manufacturing, software development, or the establishment of R&D centers.
Source: GSMArena
