Indonesia Wants Larger Apple Investment to Lift iPhone 16 Ban

The Indonesian government is pushing Apple for a higher investment than its recently proposed $100 million before it will consider lifting its ban on iPhone 16 sales in the country, according to statements from government officials on Thursday.

iphone 16 design
Industry minister Agus Gumiwang Kartasasmita has held internal meetings to discuss Apple's proposal, but a ministry spokesperson reportedly said that the government expects more substantial commitments from the company.

"From the government's perspective, of course, we want this investment to be larger," Febri Hendri Antoni Arif told Antara News. The government is particularly interested in having Apple source components from domestic suppliers, suggesting this would create a "multiplier effect" for local employment.

Apple's current $100 million proposal was a significant increase from its initial $10 million offer earlier this month, and includes plans for research and development facilities and developer academies in Bali and Jakarta over a two-year period. The proposal also outlines plans to manufacture AirPods Max ear cup mesh components in Bandung starting July 2025.

The ongoing negotiations follow Indonesia's October 28 ban on iPhone 16 sales, implemented after authorities determined Apple had not met the country's requirement for 40% domestic content in smartphones. The government also claims Apple has invested only $95 million through developer academies, falling short of a previously promised $109.6 million commitment.

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Top Rated Comments

neuropsychguy Avatar
5 hours ago at 05:21 am
This is called extortion. As Darth Vader once said: "I am altering the deal. Pray I don't alter it any further."

Edit: My comment is a bit hyperbolic on purpose, but the Star Wars quote is accurate because the Indonesian government has the power to alter deals at will. Apple does as well with suppliers so in other situations Apple can be viewed as the Empire. I'm just focusing on the current situation between Indonesia and Apple.

In any case, I think there are better ways at growing economies than simply requiring certain businesses to locally manufacture and source products (Goole's Pixel was also banned through the laws and regulations about smartphones). Included with this is that there are better ways to incentivize individuals and businesses. For example -- if a business meets a certain target for local manufacturing or research or support, there can be tax or other incentives. That's a form of positive reinforcement. What the Indonesian government is doing is a form of negative punishment, which is not good for long-term relationships. That's also what the EU is effectively doing, which is in my opinion, the wrong way to work with people and businesses.
Score: 31 Votes (Like | Disagree)
I7guy Avatar
5 hours ago at 05:23 am
No different than the EU making the rules up as it goes along.
Score: 22 Votes (Like | Disagree)
WarmWinterHat Avatar
5 hours ago at 05:31 am

This is called extortion. As Darth Vader once said: "I am altering the deal. Pray I don't alter it any further."
It's protectionism, as are tariffs, which the US is about to implement in spades.

It's exactly the same thing, with different wrapping paper.
Score: 10 Votes (Like | Disagree)
hagjohn Avatar
5 hours ago at 05:24 am
Gov't bribery.
Score: 9 Votes (Like | Disagree)
WarmWinterHat Avatar
5 hours ago at 05:44 am

As I have stated before, Apple should tell Indonesia to stuff it. Let the people in Indonesia who can no longer buy Apple products complain to their government. Apple should not be bowing to a third world country demands. This is nothing more than extortion by a third world government to get money from another company to bolster the country's sagging economy.
So you don't think that governments of countries should be allowed to promote and protect their economy and domestic businesses/jobs? Corporations should be able to override the wishes of entire countries?

Curious..
Score: 7 Votes (Like | Disagree)
macfacts Avatar
5 hours ago at 05:26 am

This is called extortion. As Darth Vader once said: "I am altering the deal. Pray I don't alter it any further."
Samsung and xiaomi are fine with those rules and are selling smartphones in Indonesia
Score: 6 Votes (Like | Disagree)