The Indonesian government is really serious about banning the circulation of the iPhone 16
The Ministry of Industry, or Kemenperin, estimates that around 9,000 units of the latest series of Apple smartphones have already entered Indonesia since their launch in the United States.
Regarding this matter, Kemenperin is preparing to block the iPhone 16 by not allowing IMEI activation. IMEI, or International Mobile Equipment Identity, is a unique code that serves as an identity for mobile telecommunications devices, such as mobile phones, handheld computers, and tablets (HKT).
Kemenperin also confirmed that it will take legal action against parties advertising the iPhone 16 series on online marketplaces, as it is suspected to violate Article 35 of Government Regulation Number 46 of 2021 concerning Postal Services, Telecommunications, and Broadcasting.
Kemenperin spokesperson, Febri Hendri Antoni Arif, stated that the iPhone 16 series brought in by passengers is technically legal, but it becomes illegal if sold domestically.
"Therefore, we are considering deactivating the IMEI of the iPhone 16 series that enters through passengers' luggage, especially if it is proven to be sold in Indonesia," emphasized Febri.
Febri emphasized that Apple has been given the opportunity to import and sell mobile phone and tablet products, provided they are serious about realizing their investments in Indonesia. Throughout 2023 and 2024, a total of 3.8 million units of Apple products have been imported into Indonesia.
He also mentioned that if we assume that Apple electronic devices are sold at an average price of IDR 5 million per unit in the domestic market, the sales value in a year could reach IDR 19 trillion. This figure could be significantly higher if we include the imports and sales of their HKT products since 2016.
"Ironically, despite their high sales value, they are still struggling to fulfill 100% of their investment commitment of IDR 1.7 trillion over 8 years in Indonesia," said Febri.
The iPhone is the only 4G technology mobile phone that is still imported. Meanwhile, mobile phones from other manufacturers such as Samsung, Oppo, Vivo, and Xiaomi are fully assembled in Indonesia to meet the minimum local content requirements (TKDN).
Apple is allowed to sell the iPhone without having to open a production facility in Indonesia because it uses a TKDN fulfillment scheme through investment, specifically by establishing an Apple Academy training center. However, that permit has expired. Therefore, Apple must increase its investment if it wants to resume importing and selling the iPhone 16 in Indonesia.
