Apple faces iPhone 16 ban in Indonesia, government calls it illegal

Indonesia has announced a ban on the sale and use of Apple ’s new iPhone 16 in the country, deeming it illegal. This means that both Apple and its associated retailers are unable to sell the iPhone 16 in the country. Indonesia’s Minister of Industry, Agus Gumiwang Kartasasmita has also cautioned consumers against purchasing the device from overseas and using it domestically, as this would constitute a legal violation.

Is iPhone 16 ‘illegal’ in Indonesia?

According to the minister, Apple did not seek due certification for the iPhone 16 before it was sold and operated in Indonesia. He cited Apple’s unfulfilled investment commitments in Indonesia, which were part of the certification process. The company has invested IDR 1.48 trillion (roughly Rs 793 crore) but IDR 230 billion is still pending.

“We, the Ministry of Industry, are yet to be able to issue permits for the iPhone 16 because there are still commitments that Apple must realise,” said Kartasasmita. He told local media that the extension of the TKDN (equivalent to India’s BSI certificate) certification is “still pending, awaiting further investment realisation from Apple.”

The TKDN (Domestic Component Level) certification requires products sold within the country to have 40 per cent local content. The Indonesian government also linked the certification requirements to investments from Apple towards establishing research and development centres, called Apple Academics, across the country.

Apple’s alleged non-compliance with Indonesia’s certification standards is why Kartasasmita has termed the use of the iPhone 16 as ‘illegal’. “If there is an iPhone 16 that can operate in Indonesia, that means that I can say, the device is illegal. Do report it to us,” he said.

Tim Cook’s push for Indonesia

While Apple has not publicly acknowledged the ban, CEO Tim Cook visited Indonesia’s capital Jakarta earlier this year, where he reportedly discussed setting up manufacturing units with President Joko Widodo. Cook told the President that Apple would “look at” manufacturing in the country as the iPhone maker is working to reduce its reliance on China. Apple has shifted production lines of its flagship phones from China to India over the past few years, while other products such as MacBook, iPad, and Apple Watch are also slowly getting their production lines set up in countries like Vietnam.