Smartphone purchasers in Jakarta welcomed news from store owners on Friday as they learned about the release of Apple’s newest phone, which had been banned for several months in Indonesia.
In October, the government banned the promotion and distribution of iPhone 16 models due to Apple’s inability to comply with regulations mandating that at least 40 percent of smartphone components must be sourced locally.
However, the American technology giant declared earlier last month that its newest smartphone editions were set for release, just after reaching an agreement with the Indonesian administration to make investments in the nation.
Albert Wongso, who is 34 years old, expressed his joy to AFP reporters outside the store upon discovering that the iPhone 16s were now available in Indonesia.
“I am delighted to learn about this development since we can now purchase iPhones directly here in Indonesia,” said the IT consultant to AFP on Friday, mentioning that he plans to get the iPhone 16 Pro model as an upgrade for his current iPhone 11.
“Because if we buy from the other country… it’s quite hard for example to claim the warranty,” he said.
During the ban, the government permitted the import of iPhone 16 devices as long as they weren’t intended for commercial trade.
A win for Apple
Jakarta rejected a $100 million investment proposal from Apple in November, saying it lacked the “fairness” required by the government.
Subsequently, the firm committed to investing $150 million in constructing two plants — one in Bandung within West Java province for accessory production, and another in Batam dedicated to manufacturing AirTags.
In February, Industry Minister Agus Gumiwang Kartasasmita stated that Apple had also pledged to establish a semiconductor R&D center in Indonesia, describing it as an “unprecedented facility in Asia.”
The arrival of the iPhone 16 in Indonesia represents a victory for Apple and underscores the significant economic role played by this nation of 280 million inhabitants.
Nailul Huda, who serves as the director of the digital economy at CELIOS—a prominent economic and law studies think tank—stated that ‘Indonesia stands out as a significant market for Apple in Asia, excluding countries like China.’
The Indonesian administration is contemplating easing regulations within the information and communications technology sector prior to discussions with the U.S. regarding President Donald Trump’s tariff policies.
Economic Minister Chief Airlangga Hartarto plans to head a delegation to Washington later this month with the aim of securing more favorable terms following President Trump’s announcement of a 90-day suspension on the most severe tariffs imposed on U.S. trade allies.
Indonesia has similarly prohibited the sale of Google Pixel smartphones because they did not comply with the regulation requiring at least 40 percent locally produced components.
Leave a Comment