Indonesia has prohibited the sale and use of Apple’s latest iPhone 16, labeling it as “illegal” due to Apple’s failure to meet certain commitments. Industry Minister Agus Gumiwang Kartasasmita announced that any iPhone 16 operating in the country is deemed illegal, urging consumers not to purchase the device from abroad.
Although the iPhone 16 was launched globally on September 20, Indonesia has barred it along with other recent Apple products, including the iPhone 16 Pro series and Apple Watch Series 10.
“If an iPhone 16 is functioning in Indonesia, I must declare it illegal. Please report it to us,” Kartasasmita stated. He also pointed out that no International Mobile Equipment Identity (IMEI) certification has been granted for the device.
The ban stems from unfulfilled investment commitments by Apple. According to reports, the tech giant pledged to invest 1.71 trillion rupiah in Indonesia but has only contributed 1.48 trillion rupiah (approximately $95 million), leaving a gap of 230 billion rupiah (about $14.75 million).
The Ministry of Industry explained that “Apple’s iPhone 16 cannot be sold in Indonesia until the extension of the TKDN certification is resolved, which is pending further investment from Apple.”
For companies to obtain the TKDN certification in Indonesia, they must meet a requirement of 40 percent local content value to sell their products in the country. This certification process is closely linked to Apple’s commitment to set up research and development centers, known as Apple Academies, in Indonesia.
Additionally, Febri Hendri Antoni Arif, a spokesperson for the Industry Ministry, confirmed that the application for TKDN certification for the iPhone 16 is currently under review but is dependent on Apple fulfilling its investment obligations.