Indonesia Bans Apple From Selling iPhone 16 In The Country. Here's Why
Apple needs to meet Indonesia's investment demands.
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Apple is not allowed to sell its iPhone 16 smartphones in Indonesia until the tech giant fulfils key investment requirements
According to Indonesian Industry Minister Agus Gumiwang Kartasasmita, Apple has yet to meet its investment commitments and renew its local content certification, known as TKDN.
In a report by CNBC Indonesia, Agus explained that Apple has only realised IDR1.48 trillion (RM405.76 million) of its total investment commitment of IDR1.71 trillion (RM467.5 million).
"Regarding the issue currently circulating in the public, namely that Apple's iPhone 16 has not yet entered the Indonesian market, this is due to the ongoing process of obtaining the TKDN certification, which is one of the requirements for importing mobile phones," said Agus.
Apple's TKDN certification has expired, and the company must fulfil its investment promises to renew the licence
The TKDN certification is crucial for any company selling products using mobile networks in Indonesia.
Without it, Apple is barred from officially distributing its iPhone 16 Series and other products in the country.
"The certification involves either a manufacturing scheme or local production, an application development scheme in the country, or an innovation development scheme locally. In this case, Apple is using the innovation development scheme," Agus explained.
Agus also hinted that Apple may need to make additional investments to secure the certification renewal
Once Apple meets these conditions, the company will be eligible for a 40% TKDN value, which will allow the iPhone 16 Series and other network-enabled Apple devices to enter the Indonesian market.
"Apple previously obtained the TKDN certification, but its validity has expired and now it must be renewed," Agus said.