Apple iPhone 16 Banned In Indonesia, Country Declares Device 'Illegal' If Anyone Found Using It

Indonesia has banned the sale and operation of Apple's iPhone 16 within its borders. On Tuesday, Industry Minister Agus Gumiwang Kartasasmita announced that any iPhone 16 functioning in Indonesia is considered "illegal," cautioning consumers against purchasing the device abroad.

iPhone 16 "illegal"

"If there is an iPhone 16 that can operate in Indonesia, that means that I can say, the device is illegal. Do report it to us," Kartasasmita declared, stressing that no International Mobile Equipment Identity (IMEI) certification has been issued for the device.

Reason for ban

The prohibition is due to Apple's unfulfilled investment commitments in Indonesia, reported The Jakarta Post.

The tech giant has so far invested 1.48 trillion rupiah ($95 million) of its pledged 1.71 trillion rupiah, leaving a shortfall of 230 billion rupiah ($14.75 million).

"We, the Ministry of Industry, are yet to be able to issue permits for the iPhone 16 because there are still commitments that Apple must realise," Kartasasmita clarified from his office.

Earlier this month, the minister had noted that "Apple's iPhone 16 cannot be sold in Indonesia yet because the extension of the TKDN certification is still pending, awaiting further investment realisation from Apple."

The TKDN (Domestic Component Level) certification mandates that companies meet a 40% local content requirement in order to sell products in Indonesia.

This certification process is closely tied to Apple's commitment to establishing research and development facilities, known as Apple Academies, in the country.

The announcement follows Apple CEO Tim Cook's visit to Jakarta in April, during which he discussed potential manufacturing opportunities with President Joko Widodo.

Cook indicated that the company would "look at" the possibility of setting up manufacturing facilities in Indonesia.

Since its global launch on September 20, the iPhone 16, alongside other new Apple products like the iPhone 16 Pro lineup and Apple Watch Series 10, remains unavailable in Indonesia.

Industry Ministry spokesperson Febri Hendri Antoni Arif confirmed that the TKDN certification application for the iPhone 16 is currently under review but hinges on Apple meeting its investment obligations.