Indonesia Declares Use of iPhone 16 and Apple Watch 10 Illegal
The Indonesian government has officially banned Apple from selling the iPhone 16 and Apple Watch 10 in the country. This prohibition extends to both the sale and use of these devices, which have been deemed illegal due to Apple’s failure to meet its investment commitments.
Apple had initially promised to invest approximately $109 million to establish local research and development (R&D) facilities in Indonesia but has only contributed $95 million to date. Consequently, the Indonesian Ministry of Industry has blocked the International Mobile Equipment Identity (IMEI) certification for these devices, effectively preventing their legal operation within the country.
Minister’s Statement:
Agus Gumiwang Kartasasmita, Indonesia’s Industry Minister, has strongly endorsed the enforcement of this ban, encouraging citizens to report any functioning iPhone 16 devices they encounter. He stated:
“If there is an iPhone 16 that can operate in Indonesia, I can confidently say that the device is illegal. Please report it to us.”
Despite the ban, tourists and airline crew members are permitted to bring up to two iPhone 16 devices into the country for personal use. However, they are strictly prohibited from selling these devices while in Indonesia to comply with local regulations.
Regulatory Background:
According to Indonesian law, foreign companies are required to meet a 40% local content threshold to operate in the country, verified through the Domestic Component Level (TKDN) certification. This requirement can be satisfied by local manufacturing, domestic software development, or the establishment of R&D centers.
These regulations aim to enhance local employment and bolster Indonesia’s technology sector, ensuring that companies uphold their investment commitments in the region.
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