Jakarta, Indonesia Sentinel — A representative from Apple Inc.’s headquarters in the United States visited Indonesia Ministry of Industry (Kemenperin) to further discuss the company’s investment proposals. This meeting marks the first official discussion after multiple invitations, following apples iPhone 16 sales ban within the country.
According to a report from Bisnis on Tuesday (January 7, 2025), Apple Vice President of Global Policy Nick Amman, accompanied by Southeast Asia Public Relations Manager Brett Galvin and other Apple representatives, attended the meeting with Indonesia’s Minister of Industry Agus Gumiwang Kartasasmita and Director-General of Metal, Machinery, Transportation Equipment, and Electronics Industry Setia Diarta.
The negotiations, scheduled for January 7-8, will focus to discuss the company’s investment plans in Indonesia. The outcome of these talks is expected to influence the issuance of the Domestic Component Level (TKDN) certification, which is crucial for Apple’s products to be legally sold in the country.
“Negotiations will not be easy. Apple will naturally prioritize their business interests, focusing on profit margins, while we as the government have principles and national interests that cannot be compromised,” Agus said.
Ministry Invitations
According to Tempo, Ministry of Industry spokesperson Febri Hendri Antoni Arif stated that the ministry had invited Apple to visit Indonesia multiple times since two months ago, but the company only responded at the beginning of 2025.
He explained that while discussions with Apple representatives have been ongoing to explore potential investment agreements, these talks could not be considered formal proposals. He emphasized that negotiations must be conducted face-to-face to ensure clarity and mutual understanding.
The ministry has carefully reviewed Apple’s investment proposal and identified several key points that will be addressed during the meeting.
Fair Investment and Job Creation
Agus emphasized that the Indonesian government is determined to ensure fairness in Apple’s investment plan, particularly regarding local value creation, job opportunities, and contributions to the domestic economy.
The Ministry of Investment and Downstreaming (BKPM) is also involved in negotiations, urging Apple to establish production facilities in Indonesia as part of the deal.
“Finding common ground and achieving a win-win solution with Apple is an art of negotiation. However, we at the Ministry of Industry will always prioritize national interests,” Agus added, as reported by Bisnis.
Evaluating Apple’s Investment Proposal
Ministry of Industry noted that Apple’s previously mentioned $100 million investment proposal still falls short of Indonesia’s expectations based on four key factors: Apple’s investments in other countries, existing investments by other smartphone, tablet, and portable computer manufacturers in Indonesia, the overall economic value for Indonesia, and job creation within the local ecosystem.
Read also : Indonesia Sets $1 Billion Investment Requirement for Apple to Sell iPhone 16
Apple has submitted an official investment proposal to the Ministry of Industry, matching the $1 billion plan previously asked by the Ministry of Industry. However, the proposal has yet to be formally discussed, a necessary step toward realizing the tech giant’s ambitious plans in the country.
The outcome of these negotiations is expected to have significant implications not only for Apple’s market presence in Indonesia but also for the broader landscape of foreign tech investments in Southeast Asia’s largest economy.
(Raidi/Agung)
