Previously, we shared how Apple’s latest flagship smartphone series, the iPhone 16 Series, is currently banned from being sold in Indonesia until the tech giant fulfils a few requirements, including investing in the country and renewing its local content requirement certification, known as TKDN.
Well, it looks like the tech giant has conceded against Indonesia’s stern requests, as Apple has reportedly proposed to invest approximately USD10 million or RM44 million to manufacture additional products in the Republic so that the ban is lifted.
Apple is proposing to invest in a factory in Bandung so that Indonesia would lift its iPhone 16 Series ban
According to Bloomberg, the proposal includes investing in a factory in Bandung, West Java, in partnership with its list of suppliers that’ll manufacture products such as accessories and components for Apple gadgets.
Sourcing an insider, the report added that Apple had submitted the proposal to the country’s Industry Ministry, which banned the sales of the iPhone 16 Series and the Watch 10 Series in the country.
The source further asserted that the Ministry is currently deliberating the proposal, which isn’t final and may change, though a decision is expected soon.
Previously, Indonesia’s Industry Minister Agus Gumiwang Kartasasmita said that it’s illegal to sell the iPhone 16 Series in the country, even if bought overseas.
Moreover, the Government also banned Google from selling its Pixel smartphone in the country, while the Chinese e-commerce platform Temu was also banned due to its low prices affecting local businesses.
So, what do you guys think about the whole situation? Share your thoughts with us in the comments.