Indonesia and Apple are reportedly nearing a resolution that could lift the ban on the sale of iPhone 16 in the Southeast Asian nation. The ban, imposed last year, came after Apple failed to comply with Indonesia's requirement for smartphones to comprise at least 40% locally-made parts. The Indonesian government, in collaboration with Apple, is now working on an investment plan that could potentially resolve the issue.
Apple, which has no manufacturing facilities in Indonesia, faced hurdles in meeting the local content requirements necessary to sell its products in the country. Despite the challenges, Apple has shown a commitment to the region by establishing application developer academies in Indonesia since 2018. These academies aim to support local talent and foster innovation within the tech industry.
The potential resolution was highlighted by Indonesia's Investment Minister, Rosan Roeslani, who spoke to Bloomberg News during the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland. On January 21, Roeslani expressed optimism about the situation, stating that the issue could be resolved shortly.
"Hopefully within one or two weeks this issue can be resolved"
- Rosan Roeslani
Neither Apple nor the Indonesian government provided immediate comments regarding the ongoing discussions. However, Roeslani's statement suggests that both parties are keen on reaching a mutually beneficial agreement. With a population of approximately 280 million people, Indonesia represents a significant market for Apple's products.
The investment plan under consideration could pave the way for Apple to re-enter the Indonesian market with its flagship iPhone 16. While details of the plan remain undisclosed, it is expected to address the local content requirements that led to the initial ban.
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