Indonesia has restricted sales of Google Pixel smartphones just days after banning the iPhone 16, as it appears to maintain efforts to put pressure on foreign manufacturers to comply with local laws. This initiative is part of Indonesia’s strategy to boost domestic manufacturing and local technology businesses amid growing competition, with the Ministry of Communication and Information Technology, citing concerns over production and security standards implementing it.
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Google Pixel Sales Ban in Indonesia
The Ministry of Industry said devices from Google now “can’t be sold” until they have at least 40 percent local content, as required by the country. Febri Hendri Antoni Arief, a ministry spokesperson, explained that Google must obtain local content certification to resume operations. He said that the intention is to support domestic free trade while making Indonesian investors and the domestic industry stronger and local value-added higher.
The move follows the previous imposing of restrictions on Apple’s iPhone 16 over similar compliance issues. The Indonesian government has continuously urged tech companies to set up their local manufacturing facilities in order to spur economic growth and jobs. Currently, Apple has spent 1.48 trillion rupiah from its 1.71 trillion commitment, which means that GAP is impacting Apple’s Domestic Component Level (TKDN) certification.
It obligates foreign products marketed in Indonesia to achieve the level of local content by 40% and above, and it is a prerequisite to have certificates before the products can be sold in Indonesia. During a recent visit to Jakarta, Apple CEO Tim Cook discussed potential future investments, including R&D initiatives, with President Joko Widodo. Apple will have to settle its remaining obligation before it can begin producing the iPhone 16 again for sale.
Questions about how long the Google and Apple bans will last and whether they will make other tech companies reconsider their strategy in Indonesia. Such a policy environment may compel a number of firms to begin investing in local manufacturing, or in markets where less pressure is being placed on registration. Both consumers and industry stakeholders are keeping a close eye on any regulatory changes that might affect the future of smartphone sales in the region.
