“Who’s next?” – After Apple iPhone 16 Series, Indonesia is Now Banning Google Pixel Smartphones in The Country

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.

The ban is still in place to this day, with the country’s Industry Minister also stressing that it’s illegal to use the iPhone 16 Series in the Republic, even if bought overseas.

Indonesia is blocking Google from selling its Pixel smartphones in the country

Google pixel 9 series

Well, the Ministry isn’t stopping there, as another tech giant has had their products blocked from being sold in the country, this time being Alphabet Inc.’s Google and its Pixel smartphone series. 

According to Bloomberg, Indonesia Ministry of Industry spokesperson Febri Hendri Antoni Arief confirmed yesterday (31 October) in a press briefing that it’s illegal to trade Google Pixels smartphones in the country. 

For context, the Google Pixel lineup, including the latest Pixel 9 Series, is not officially available in Indonesia. In fact, Google only started officially selling its Pixel Series in Malaysia this year, with enthusiasts of the smartphone series previously having to import them into our country to use them.

For illustration purposes

The same is the case for Indonesia, and the country’s Industry Ministry noted that some 22,000 units have already entered the Republic this year.

However, the Ministry stressed that it’s illegal to trade Pixel smartphones in the country because, like Apple, Google has failed to meet the nation’s domestic content requirements.

Indonesia will take action against online and physical stores selling Pixel devices

Accordingly, the Indonesian Government has threatened to take action against online and physical shops caught selling Pixel smartphones.

The authorities are also threatening to deactivate the devices’ IMEI identifying numbers so the devices can’t be registered and used with local telecommunications providers.

Agus gumiwang kartasasmita (middle)

So, what do you guys think of Indonesia’s move to ban Google Pixel devices after doing the same thing with the Apple iPhone 16 Series? Share your thoughts with us in the comments!

Also read: “Report them” – Indonesia Minister Says It’s Illegal to Use iPhone 16 Series in the Country, Even If Bought Overseas