Tue Nov 19 08:17:50 UTC 2024: ## Apple Ups Indonesia Investment Offer Tenfold to Unblock iPhone 16 Sales Ban

**JAKARTA, Indonesia** – Apple has dramatically increased its proposed investment in Indonesia to nearly $100 million over two years in a bid to overturn a government ban on the iPhone 16. This represents a near tenfold increase from its previous offer of approximately $10 million.

The Indonesian Ministry of Industry, which imposed the ban last month due to Apple’s failure to meet a 40% domestic content requirement, is now demanding that the investment focus more heavily on research and development for smartphones within the country. While Apple’s revised offer has been submitted, the ministry has yet to make a final decision.

The initial, smaller investment proposal led to a scheduled meeting between Apple executives and Indonesian Minister Agus Gumiwang Kartasasmita. However, the meeting was unexpectedly downgraded to a session with the ministry’s director-general after the minister’s unavailability.

The ban on the iPhone 16 highlights Indonesia’s aggressive strategy to boost domestic industries and increase local manufacturing under President Prabowo Subianto. This approach mirrors previous administrations’ tactics, including the temporary ban on TikTok last year, which resulted in a significant investment from the company.

While Apple seeks access to Indonesia’s large and tech-savvy consumer market, the government’s hardline approach risks deterring foreign investment, potentially hindering economic growth and attracting foreign companies seeking to diversify away from China. The specifics of Apple’s proposed investment remain unclear, but it’s likely to involve partnerships with component suppliers, similar to Apple’s practices in other countries. Both Apple and the Ministry of Industry declined to comment on the ongoing negotiations.

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