THE MINISTRY of Industry (Kemenperin) is considering deactivating the International Mobile Equipment Identity (IMEI) serial number for iPhone 16 products that are proven to be sold domestically.
This is because the latest series made by the giant company Apple has not been able to enter the domestic market, considering that there are investment commitments that have not been completed by the corporation from the United States.
“Therefore, we are considering deactivating the IMEI of the iPhone 16 series which comes in through passengers’ luggage and if it is proven that they are being bought and sold in Indonesia,” said Industry Ministry spokesperson Febri Hendri Antoni Arif in Jakarta, Wednesday (30/10).
Febri said that the iPhone 16 series which has now entered Indonesia is only limited for personal use by passengers from abroad entering Indonesia.
He stated that purchasing these products from passengers could be detrimental to the buyer himself, this was because the purchase risk had to be borne by the buyer, such as the absence of a guarantee from an official distributor.
He also appealed to all parties, especially passengers bringing the iPhone 16 series from abroad, not to hand over their luggage to other parties, especially for the purpose of buying and selling.
Furthermore, Febri said that the Ministry of Industry would legally process parties who advertised the iPhone 16 series on online marketplace because it is suspected of violating article 35 of Government Regulation Number 46 of 2021 concerning Post, Telecommunications and Broadcasting.
“We ask the public not to be tempted to buy the iPhone 16 series offered through online marketplace as well as shops offline. “The Ministry of Industry will follow up on the incoming information and also the information we have managed to collect regarding the buying and selling of iPhone 16,” he explained.
He emphasized that all these policies were carried out solely so that PT Apple Indonesia fulfills its investment commitments and provides justice for all smartphone investors in the country.
He explained that during 2023 and 2024, Apple will import and sell products cellphonehandheld computers and tablets (HKT) totaling 3.8 million units. If it is assumed that Apple electronic devices are sold on average for IDR 5 million per unit, then the sales value for one year will reach IDR 19 trillion. (Ant/D-3)
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**Interview with Industry Expert on iPhone 16 Ban in Indonesia**
**Host:** Welcome to our program. Today, we have with us Dr. Rina Sutanto, an expert in technology and regulatory policies. Dr. Sutanto, thank you for joining us.
**Dr. Sutanto:** Thank you for having me!
**Host:** So, the recent news about the iPhone 16 being banned from sale in Indonesia has raised quite a few eyebrows. Can you explain what’s happening?
**Dr. Sutanto:** Certainly. The Indonesian Ministry of Industry has announced that it may deactivate the IMEI numbers of iPhone 16 devices sold domestically. This action stems from Apple’s failure to meet investment commitments in the country, which is a requirement for selling smartphones there.
**Host:** That’s quite significant. What does this mean for consumers in Indonesia who want to buy an iPhone 16?
**Dr. Sutanto:** For now, consumers cannot legally buy the iPhone 16 within Indonesia. However, if someone brings it from another country, they can register it for personal use. But there’s a catch—if they attempt to sell it locally, it could lead to their device being deactivated.
**Host:** So, if someone buys one overseas and brings it back, they need to be careful. What are the risks involved in doing this?
**Dr. Sutanto:** Exactly. The risk for consumers is substantial. Not only might their device be deactivated if found to be sold locally, but they also face the possibility of losing warranty support and service options since it won’t be recognized as a legitimate purchase in Indonesia.
**Host:** That sounds frustrating for fans of Apple products in Indonesia. Do you think this policy will change in the near future?
**Dr. Sutanto:** It’s difficult to say. Policies like this often reflect larger economic strategies and negotiations between the government and companies like Apple. If Apple fulfills its investment commitments and begins local production or assembly, we may see changes that allow for legal sales.
**Host:** Thank you, Dr. Sutanto, for shedding light on this situation. It’s clear that buyers need to be cautious when considering an iPhone 16 purchase.
**Dr. Sutanto:** My pleasure! Consumers should stay informed and consider their options carefully.
**Host:** Thank you for tuning in. We’ll keep you updated as this situation develops.
