Jakarta, Indonesia Sentinel — The anticipated release of the iPhone 16 series in Indonesia has been effectively banned as the Indonesian Ministry of Industry has not granted the necessary approvals due to Apple’s failure to meet investment obligations.
Minister Agus Gumiwang Kartasasmita indicated that Apple has committed IDR 1.48 trillion to local investments but still falls short by IDR 240 billion of the required amount to satisfy local production standards.
Because of this shortfall, the Ministry is unable to issue the required International Mobile Equipment Identity (IMEI) registration for the iPhone 16 series. This registration is essential for the legal operation of devices in Indonesia, and Agus clarified that any iPhone 16 currently being used in the country is considered unauthorized. “If any iPhone 16 is operating in Indonesia, it is illegal. Please report it, as it has not received IMEI approval,” Agus stressed.
A crucial aspect of device approval in Indonesia is the local-content threshold, or Tingkat Komponen Dalam Negeri (TKDN), which mandates a specified percentage of domestic components or services in products sold within the country. Apple’s existing TKDN certification has expired and will remain inactive until the company fulfills its investment commitments.
Indonesian regulations allow this investment to cover various aspects, including manufacturing, application development, or innovation done locally. Apple has chosen to pursue the innovation development model to comply with TKDN requirements.
Despite these barriers, Apple’s authorized distributor, iBox, has showcased promotional materials for the iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Pro on its website. Typically, this is an indication that the products will be available soon; however, iBox has not provided a specific release date, simply instructing customers to “check back for availability,” indicating that the iPhone 16’s entry into the market is still pending.
An Apple Indonesia spokesperson has addressed the concerns regarding this ban, reaffirming the company’s commitment to the Indonesian market. The representative stated, “We remain dedicated to delivering our latest products, including the iPhone 16 series, to our customers in Indonesia as soon as possible.”
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At this moment, it remains unclear when Apple will resolve these administrative and regulatory issues. For now, the iPhone 16 is effectively banned from entering the Indonesian market, leaving fans awaiting its official launch.
(Becky)
