Jakarta, Indonesia Sentinel — After banning the sale of the iPhone 16, Indonesia’s Ministry of Industry (Kemenperin) is set to impose similar restrictions on Google Pixel smartphones, citing a lack of certification for meeting the country’s local content requirements (TKDN).
This decision, announced by Ministry spokesperson Febri Hendri Antoni Arif, indicates that Google Pixel devices would be banned and cannot be officially sold in Indonesia until they meet this regulatory standard.
“As long as Google Pixel products do not have the TKDN certificate and do not meet the established criteria, they are not permitted for sale in Indonesia,” Arif stated.
The Ministry has clarified that, similar to the restrictions placed on the iPhone 16, it would block the IMEI of any Google Pixel phone found to be sold in the country without the required certification.
This move is part of the government’s ongoing enforcement of TKDN regulations, which mandate that companies manufacturing smartphones, tablets, and other devices source at least 40% of their components domestically.
Companies can fulfill this requirement through options like local manufacturing, firmware development, or investment in local innovation projects. Samsung and Xiaomi, for instance, have established manufacturing facilities to fulfill these requirements.
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To officially sell Google Pixel devices in Indonesia, the company must apply for and receive TKDN certification, explained Arif. “The local content rule and related policies ensure fairness for all investors in Indonesia, while creating added value and strengthening the industry’s foundation here,” he told local reporters.
The Ministry noted that, from January to October 2024, around 22,000 Google Pixel units have entered Indonesia via permitted channels, such as travelers’ personal imports and international shipments.
However, Arif cautioned consumers against purchasing Google Pixel and iPhone 16 devices online or through unofficial vendors, warning that such devices are being banned and likely to have their IMEIs blocked, potentially making them unusable on Indonesian networks.
(Raidi/Agung)
