The launch of the highly anticipated iPhone 16 series by Apple has captivated tech enthusiasts worldwide since its release on September 9, 2024. However, the excitement is muted in Indonesia, where the sale of this new smartphone has not yet commenced and is currently classified as illegal. What has led to this unusual situation?
The Indonesian Ministry of Industry (Kemenperin) has officially stated that the iPhone 16 series cannot be sold in the country because it is still in the process of obtaining a Domestic Content Level (TKDN) certificate. This requirement is essential for all telecommunication devices that utilize public frequencies in Indonesia.
Febri Hendri Antoni Arif, the spokesperson for Kemenperin, elaborated on the regulations surrounding the TKDN policy. quoted from Bisnis, he confirmed, “Ilegal [if someone sells the iPhone 16 in Indonesia].” He further explained that mobile phones, including the iPhone 16 series, must have this TKDN certificate to be sold legally.
“TKDN must be submitted by the manufacturers along with their distributors. There are many distributors here,” he clarified.
The iPhone 16 series, overseen by Apple CEO Tim Cook, has indeed applied for the TKDN certificate. “However, we are processing it by first verifying the realization of the investment of Rp1.6 trillion,” Febri noted.
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In line with this investment, Tim Cook is also continuing to develop an IT talent program called the Apple Developer Academy at four locations throughout Indonesia. This initiative has a total investment value of Rp1.6 trillion. Additionally, Apple is expanding its footprint in the region by establishing another Apple Developer Academy in Bali.
For this reason, Febri indicated that the Ministry is awaiting the realization of Apple’s investment in Indonesia to build the Apple Developer Academy before proceeding. “So we’re waiting for the realization first. If the investment of Rp1.6 trillion is realized, and the TKDN meets the required 40%, then they can sell the iPhone [including the iPhone 16 series] in Indonesia,” he stated.
Despite these hurdles, the Ministry of Communication and Information (Kemenkominfo) has reassured consumers that the iPhone 16 series will be released in Indonesia. Minister Budi Arie Setiadi confirmed that the latest iPhone model from Apple will not face delays in entering the Indonesian market. However, he pointed out that the components for the iPhone 16 series would still be imported.
“No [delay], just [components] will still be imported,” Budi remarked after an event at Menara Kadin, Jakarta, on October 3, 2024.
Moreover, Budi acknowledged that the iPhone 16 series has yet to meet the TKDN requirements for distribution in Indonesia. “Not yet. You should ask the [Ministry of] Industry about TKDN. For TKDN, you need to ask the [Ministry of] Industry,” he explained.
As the excitement for the iPhone 16 series builds, consumers in Indonesia will have to wait a bit longer before they can get their hands on Apple’s latest offering.
