Apple to Sell iPhone 16 in Indonesia After Deal on Manufacturing Plant and Research Center
Indonesia to Lift Ban on iPhone 16 Sales
JAKARTA: Apple will soon be able to sell its iPhone 16 phones in Indonesia after the two sides agreed on a number of deals, including a manufacturing plant and a research and development center, the industry minister said on Wednesday.
Local Content Certificate to be Issued Soon
Apple will soon obtain a local content certificate, which is needed for sales of the handset to be permitted, Agus Gumiwang Kartasasmita told reporters. He did not say when the certificate would be issued.
Background to the Ban
Last year, Indonesia banned sales of the iPhone 16 because it said Apple had not met the required level of locally made parts for the phones to be sold domestically. Companies can meet the domestic requirement through local partnerships or by sourcing parts domestically.
Apple’s Presence in Indonesia
Apple has no manufacturing facilities in Indonesia, a country of about 280 million people, but since 2018 it has set up a number of developer academies in the country.
Indonesia’s Desire for Tech-Related Investment
Indonesia, the world’s fourth most populous country of 280 million people, is keen for tech-related investment. Analysts have said the local content ban could hurt investor confidence and trigger protectionism concerns.
Conclusion
The agreement between Apple and Indonesia marks a significant step forward for the country’s tech industry. The lifting of the ban on iPhone 16 sales is expected to boost investor confidence and attract more foreign investment to the country.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the local content requirement for phone sales in Indonesia?
A: Companies can meet the domestic requirement through local partnerships or by sourcing parts domestically.
Q: Does Apple have manufacturing facilities in Indonesia?
A: No, Apple has no manufacturing facilities in Indonesia.
Q: What is the significance of the deal for Indonesia’s tech industry?
A: The deal is expected to boost investor confidence and attract more foreign investment to the country’s tech industry.