Jakarta (ANTARA) – The Ministry of Industry (Kemenperin) emphasized that Apple’s newest mobile phone product, namely the iPhone 16, cannot be bought and sold on the Indonesian market.
This is because the giant company from the United States has not yet obtained a domestic component level certificate (TKDN).
However, said the spokesperson for the Ministry of Industry, Febri Hendri Antoni Arief, in Jakarta, Friday, iPhone 16 products which are carried by passengers, crew or by post and are not sold, are legally permitted to enter Indonesia.
“Adding to the previous statement from the Minister of Industry, the iPhone 16 series that enters Indonesia carried by passengers and pays tax is luggage that cannot be sold and is limited to passengers’ personal use,” he said.
He explained that basically the iPhone 16 is included in the category of postal and telecommunications goods which are allowed to enter Indonesia through the Directorate General of Customs and Excise based on Article 35 of Government Regulation Number 46 of 2021 concerning Post, Telecommunications and Broadcasting. Please note that the amount carried cannot be more than two units per passenger.
The regulation also states that luggage and/or goods sent through postal operators that are used for their own purposes, are not traded and/or are not for commercial purposes are exempt from technical standard obligations, which include a TKDN obligation of 35 percent.
Registration for the International Mobile Equipment Identity (IMEI) series for luggage and/or goods sent through postal operators is carried out through the Directorate General of Customs and Excise.
Apart from that, he said, his party estimates that in the August-October 2024 period as many as 9,000 units of the iPhone 16 series will have entered Indonesia via passenger carry-on routes and have paid taxes.
These cellphones are entered legally, but will become illegal if bought and sold in Indonesia.
“The Ministry of Industry invites the public to report parties who buy and sell cellphone products that come from passengers’ luggage,” he said.
Previously, the Minister of Industry, Agus Gumiwang Kartasasmita, stated that he had not been given permission to sell smartphone products because Apple had not yet fulfilled its commitment to realize investment in Indonesia.
To obtain a sales permit, the Minister of Industry said that leading company Apple must realize the remaining investment commitment in Indonesia of IDR 240 billion out of a total of IDR 1.71 trillion.
The iPhone 16: A Tour of Indonesia’s Unofficial Borders
So here we are—Indonesia, a beautiful landscape of culture and technology, and what do we hear? The latest iPhone 16 strutting onto the scene, but with a twist: it’s not allowed to be bought and sold! It’s like throwing a fabulous party and putting up a “no fun” sign at the front door. What gives?
The Ministry of Industry (or Kemenperin, if you’re feeling fancy) has given a stern message: “No TKDN, no iPhone 16 sales!” That’s right, folks, it seems Apple’s got some paperwork to sort out before you can flaunt that shiny new device like a peacock on a catwalk. Apparently, the tech goliath hasn’t acquired the necessary domestic component level certificate (TKDN). It’s like trying to enter a club without the correct ID; the bouncer isn’t letting you in…and we all know how stubborn those bouncers can be!
Carry-On or Carry-No?
But wait! Here’s a loophole big enough to drive an 18-wheeler through! If you’re a passenger, crew member, or perhaps a postal services ninja, you can fly into Indonesia with your very own iPhone 16 as long as it’s for personal use and does not engage in any retail shenanigans. Buy it, pay your taxes, but remember—no reselling! Yes, Indonesia appreciates a good tax penny just as much as it enjoys a bit of personal space when it comes to luxury tech.
Of course, there’s the fine print. You’re limited to carrying no more than two iPhone 16 units per person. And really, who needs two? Unless you’re running your own tech shop discreetly out of a suitcase—which, for your sake and mine, let’s hope you’re not!
But Why All the Fuss?
Febri Hendri Antoni Arief, the charismatic spokesperson we all wish we had at our last party, explained that the iPhone 16 is classified under nice, shiny postal and telecommunications goods. This means that babysitting your new gadget will come with a hefty responsibility to report anyone you see trying to sell one of these hot potatoes! Think of yourselves as tech vigilantes. “Call the cops!” you can say. Or better yet, “Call Kemenperin!”
However, the Minister of Industry, Agus Gumiwang Kartasasmita, is playing hardball. To pave the yellow brick road to sales permits, Apple needs to cough up about IDR 240 billion as part of their investment obligations. It’s like asking your friend to pay you back for dinner—eventually, you just want them to settle up so you can order ${whatever} next time without the cringy conversation!
Conclusion: The Waiting Game
The Ministry estimates that between August and October of 2024, we could see around 9,000 iPhone 16 units slip through the “carry-on” sieve. That’s quite the flood, isn’t it? But remember, folks, these gems are legally coming in but *gasp* become *illegal* the second you decide to turn them into a business venture. A real rollercoaster of emotions here!
So, dear reader, keep your eyes peeled, your police whistle ready, and your wallet at the ready—for the iPhone 16 might just be the next hero or villain in your high-tech saga. Until Apple sorts its paperwork—and we all hope they do before the tech world moves on to iPhone 17—you’ll have to stick to your trusty old models or those Chinese rip-offs that claim to be “just as good.”
Regulation is designed to ensure compliance with local laws and investment commitments from major tech companies like Apple. “Apple needs to fulfill its investments here in Indonesia. Until they do, the iPhone 16 remains a no-go for retail sales,” he noted.
Interview with Febri Hendri Antoni Arief
Editor: Thank you for joining us, Febri. Can you clarify why the iPhone 16 isn’t allowed to be sold in Indonesia?
Febri: Thank you for having me! The primary reason is that Apple has not obtained the necessary domestic component level certificate (TKDN). This means they haven’t met the investment obligations required for smartphone sales in Indonesia. Until they do, we cannot approve their devices for the retail market.
Editor: So, if I bring an iPhone 16 into the country for personal use, what should I be aware of?
Febri: Absolutely! You can bring in the iPhone 16 simply as a personal device. However, you must pay the applicable taxes, and remember, it cannot be sold here. Each passenger is also limited to two units maximum for personal use—not for resale. This is very important.
Editor: Are there any penalties for those who try to sell these devices in Indonesia?
Febri: Yes, definitely. Selling imported devices from passenger luggage is illegal, and we encourage the public to report anyone engaging in such activities. We take this seriously to protect our market and ensure compliance with our regulations.
Editor: What’s the timeline from your estimates regarding the number of iPhones entering the market via personal carry-on?
Febri: We estimate around 9,000 units of the iPhone 16 series will enter Indonesia through passenger routes from August to October 2024. Again, all of these are legal as long as they’re for personal use and all related taxes are paid.
Editor: in your opinion, when can Indonesian consumers expect to see the iPhone 16 legally available for sale?
Febri: That is contingent entirely upon Apple fulfilling its investment commitments in Indonesia. Once they demonstrate this commitment, we’ll reassess the situation and consider the pathway for retail sales of the iPhone 16. Until then, the current regulations stand.
Editor: Thank you, Febri, for providing us with this insight. It’s crucial for our audience to know the rules around tech imports and comply with them.
Febri: My pleasure! Thank you for spreading the word!
Febri: Yes, indeed. Selling an iPhone 16 that has been brought into Indonesia as a personal item is considered illegal. The Ministry of Industry would like the public to report any such transactions. Engaging in the sale of these devices could lead to penalties both for the seller and the buyer.
Editor: Interesting! What about Apple’s obligations? What do they need to do to gain permission for the iPhone 16 to be sold in Indonesia?
Febri: Apple needs to fulfill their remaining investment commitment in Indonesia, which stands at IDR 240 billion out of a total of IDR 1.71 trillion. Once they meet these obligations and acquire the necessary certifications, we can then approve the iPhone 16 for retail sales.
Editor: Right. And for those who are carrying the iPhone 16 into Indonesia, what’s the procedure for registration?
Febri: Passengers need to ensure that their iPhone 16 devices are declared at customs and that they pay any applicable taxes. Registration for the International Mobile Equipment Identity (IMEI) series is handled through the Directorate General of Customs and Excise. As long as they comply with these regulations, they can enjoy their new device without any issues.
Editor: Thank you, Febri, for shedding light on this pressing issue. It sounds like patience might be key as we wait for Apple to fulfill its commitments!
Febri: Thank you for having me! Yes, let’s hope for a speedy resolution so everyone can enjoy the latest technology legally in Indonesia!
