Reports are coming in that the Indonesian government is now officially supporting a ban to buy Apple’s iPhone 16, over its failure concerning promises of investments within Indonesia. The move comes after the iPhone 16 series was announced at Apple‘s Glowtime 2024 event on September 9.
Indonesia Bans iPhone 16 Sales
The ban also affects future Apple products that were released this fall including the Watch Series 10, meaning local and visiting consumers who have picked up these devices will be turned away. Reports from the Economic Times indicate that the ban encompasses both the sale and operation of iPhone 16 models, including those already sold. Industry Minister Agus Gumiwang Kartasasmita has advised users against buying the device from abroad, stating, “If there is an iPhone 16 that can operate in Indonesia, it is illegal. Please report it to us.”
These challenges and future concerns may have all had a hand in Indonesia’s recent ban on the latest 16 series. The main issue is Apple still has not perfected its intentions to invest in Indonesia. So far, the company has invested 1.48 trillion rupiah but was required to invest 1.71 trillion rupiah, resulting in a shortfall of 230 billion rupiah. That is the fault, that caused Apple not to get TKDN certification because all of the device’s content sold in Indonesia should provide 40 percent from local production.
Indonesian consumers may have to wait for the 16 series until all this mess surrounding TKDN certification is sorted out. The situation hinges on Apple fulfilling its remaining investment commitments, which will ultimately determine the official launch of the latest iPhone models in the country. The government has declared any sale of the iPhone 16 without the necessary permits as illegal and is encouraging the public to report any such cases to ensure compliance with local investment regulations.
