Earlier this week, the Indonesian government banned the sale and use of iPhone 16 models in the country, as well as other Apple products launched this fall, including the Apple Watch Series 10. The ban came because Apple failed to meet some of its investment commitments in the country (via Economic times).

This ban covers both the sale and operation of iPhone 16 models and extends to units already sold, creating problems for tourists. Industry Minister Gumiwang Kartasasmita said:

If there is an iPhone 16 that can work in Indonesia, that means I can say the device is illegal. Report it to us.

The reason for this ban is that the country would like to force Apple to keep its investment promises in the country. Apple apparently promised $109 million (Rp.1.71 trillion) for investment in Indonesian infrastructure and local sourcing, but failed to deliver on its promise, at around $95 million (Rp.1.48 trillion). rupees).

Apple’s $14 million (230 billion rupiah) deficit has prevented the Indonesian Ministry of Industry from issuing IMEI (International Mobile Equipment Identity) certifications, required for the sale of the devices in the country. Minister Kartasasmita also commented:

We, the Ministry of Industry, are not yet in a position to issue authorizations for the iPhone 16 because there are still commitments that Apple must meet.

Investments in Indonesia are due to the fact that the Indonesian government requires foreign companies to meet a 40% local content requirement to operate in the country. Apple had promised to establish research and development facilities in the country, called Apple Academies.

It is not yet clear whether Apple intends to move forward with this sales ban.

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