While the iPhone 16 Series has been available in Malaysia since 20 September, its official release in Indonesia has hit a roadblock. The Indonesian government has blocked the entry of Apple's latest flagship smartphones into the country, citing unmet obligations from the tech giant.

According to Tempo, Indonesia's Industry Minister, Agus Gumiwang Kartasasmita, confirmed that Apple is currently barred from selling the iPhone 16 Series in Indonesia. The ban stems from two main factors: Apple's failure to meet its investment promises in Indonesia and the expiration of its local content certification, known as TKDN (Tingkat Komponen Dalam Negeri).

Agus revealed that Apple has not fulfilled its investment commitments to Indonesia. The company had pledged to invest IDR1.71 trillion (approximately RM467.5 million) but has only delivered IDR1.48 trillion (around RM405.76 million) to date. This shortfall is preventing Apple from moving forward with product launches in the country.

In addition to the investment gap, Apple must make further investments to renew its TKDN certification, which has expired. The certification ensures that products meet Indonesia's local content requirements, which mandate that a certain percentage of the components or assembly be carried out within the country.

To regain access to the Indonesian market, Apple must secure a 40% TKDN value, a crucial threshold that would allow the company to sell the iPhone 16 Series and other mobile network products in the country. However, this will only be possible once Apple meets its investment commitments and secures the necessary certification.

For those in Indonesia eager to get their hands on the iPhone 16 Series, importing the device from abroad presents its own set of challenges. Under Indonesian regulations, all imported smartphones must be declared and registered with their IMEI numbers. Moreover, consumers are required to pay taxes based on the phone's price, and the device must be registered with the authorities before it can be used with a local SIM card.

These regulations make importing an iPhone 16 a complex and potentially costly endeavor, adding to the frustration of Apple fans in Indonesia.

Until Apple resolves its issues with the Indonesian government, the iPhone 16 Series is unlikely to make its official debut in the country, leaving many to wonder when or if it will ever become available.

Source: Tempo