It was recently reported that Apple may be close to unbanning iPhone 16 in Indonesia. However, the new year does not seem to have brought good news for the Cupertino company. According to the latest report, Apple is still prohibited from selling the iPhone 16 in Indonesia despite an investment proposal of $1 billion plus a production plant on Batam Island.
It all started when the Indonesian government accused Apple of not meeting promised investment targets and imposed a ban on the sale of iPhone 16 in the country. To fix this, Apple proposed investment plan $10 million.which was rejected. Apple later made another unsuccessful offer invest $100 million. But even after offering to invest a billion dollars and set up a manufacturing plant, which meets the requirements of the Indonesian government, the ban on the iPhone 16 remains in force.
The Indonesian government has now reconsidered its demands and is insisting that Apple open a factory in the country to produce iPhone 16 parts, as Apple’s proposal to manufacture the AirTag in Indonesia “does not count as locally produced iPhone parts.” Minister Agus Gumiwan Kartasasmita said: “There is no reason for the ministry to issue local content certification as a way for Apple to get permission to sell the iPhone 16 because (the enterprise) has no direct relationship.” He also added that the government “will only take into account the components of the phone.”
It appears that the Indonesian government intends to secure a stronger commitment from Apple, ensuring that the company has a strong foothold in the country to consistently contribute to the Indonesian economy. For now, iPhone fans in Indonesia will still have to fly overseas to buy an iPhone, with Singapore being the closest destination.
Source: Reuters