Apple’s new iPhone 16 faces a ban in Indonesia, as the government prohibits the sale and use of these high-end mobile phones. Indonesia’s Industry Minister, Kartas Samita, declared that using the iPhone 12 is also illegal in the country. He urged citizens not to purchase iPhones from abroad.
The minister stated, “This phone doesn’t have an issued IMEI number, which is mandatory for all devices.”If you spot any iPhone 16 in use in Indonesia, please report it to us.”
The ban stems from Apple’s failure to fulfil its investment commitments in Indonesia. The Indonesian government set a requirement for Apple to invest 1.8 trillion Indonesian rupiahs, but the company has only invested 1.4 trillion. As a result, the government will not allow the sale or use of the iPhone 16 until Apple meets its obligations.
The minister recently reiterated, “We cannot allow the sale of Apple’s new iPhone 16 in Indonesia until the company fulfills its investment promises.” The iPhone 12 will also remain off the market.”
Companies must obtain TKDN certification to sell products in Indonesia, which requires them to produce at least 40% of their products locally. Apple must meet this requirement and plans to establish a research and development centre called Apple Academy in Indonesia to support its commitments.