Thu Jan 09 04:51:40 UTC 2025: ## Apple’s iPhone 16 Still Banned in Indonesia Despite New Deal
**JAKARTA, Indonesia (The Hindu)** – Apple’s iPhone 16 remains banned in Indonesia despite the company agreeing to build a $1 billion production facility on Batam island. Indonesian Industry Minister Agus Gumiwang Kartasasmita announced Wednesday that the facility, which will produce AirTags, doesn’t fulfill the government’s requirement that at least 35% of domestically-sold smartphones consist of locally-made parts.
The ban, initially implemented last year, stems from Apple’s failure to meet Indonesia’s local content regulations. While the new facility is a step towards increased investment in Indonesia, Minister Kartasasmita clarified that the AirTag production wouldn’t count towards the iPhone 16’s local content requirement, as the ministry only considers phone components. He stated that there is no basis to grant Apple permission to sell the iPhone 16 under the current circumstances.
Apple’s vice president of global government affairs, Nick Ammann, recently met with Indonesian officials to discuss the matter. While the investment in the AirTag factory is significant, it has not satisfied Indonesia’s local content rules for smartphone sales. Apple, which has operated application developer academies in Indonesia since 2018, currently has no smartphone manufacturing facilities within the country. The new facility is expected to commence operations next year.
First Piper 