Jakarta –
Chairman of the National Economic Council (DEN) Luhut Binsar Pandjaitan spoke about banning the sale of the iPhone 16 in Indonesia. Apple was asked to complete its investment commitment before the iPhone 16 could be sold in Indonesia.
Luhut said that Indonesia is very open to cooperation, especially regarding goods produced domestically. This is because Indonesia wants to open new job opportunities.
“We are all very open to anything (cooperation), especially if it is produced domestically because we want to create jobs,” said Luhut at the Presidential Palace Complex, Central Jakarta, Tuesday (5/11/2024).
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According to him, the government does not determine the qualifications of high-tech products such as the iPhone as the main thing in cooperation, what is most important is how this cooperation can open up greater job opportunities for the community.
“So we don’t talk hi-tech course, but we’re talking about labor intensive,” he said.
For example, he mentioned Chinese investors who will build garment factories in the Kertajati area, West Java and Sukoharjo, Central Java. This investment is an example of an investment with a large opportunity to create new jobs.
Sales of iPhone 16 are prohibited. Check the next page.
Ministry of Industry Bans Sales of iPhone 16
As additional information, the Ministry of Industry prohibits buying and selling iPhone 16 in Indonesia. The distribution permit for the iPhone 16 is hampered by Apple’s investment commitment which has not been fully realized.
Regarding this, Apple has not yet realized the construction of its fourth Apple Developer Academy in Bali. Spokesperson for the Ministry of Industry, Febri Hendri Antoni Arif, said that this realization was an effort to obtain a Domestic Component Level (TKDN) of 40%.
“Apple is building an Apple Academy in Jakarta. Well, finally it wants to make it in Bali. This one in Bali has not yet been realized. So that’s it. To get 40% TKDN. If they get a TKDN certificate they can import. We will give them an import permit,” he explained. at the Ministry of Industry Office, South Jakarta, Thursday (31/10/2024).
Febri also said that Apple had submitted a letter requesting a meeting with the Minister of Industry, Agus Gumiwang Kartasasmita. The main objective of the meeting was to discuss investment and distribution permits for the iPhone 16 in Indonesia.
Febri said Agus was willing to meet with Apple. However, he asked that the discussions that would take place later be concrete. In this case, it is hoped that Apple can immediately realize its investment commitment in building the fourth Apple Academy in Bali.
The Ministry of Industry discovered that iPhone 16 products were being bought and sold on the internet. It is estimated that in the period August-October 2024, around 9,000 units of the iPhone 16 series will have entered Indonesia via passenger carry-on routes and have paid taxes.
The Ministry of Industry will legally process parties who advertise the iPhone 16 series on the online marketplace because they are suspected of violating article 35 of Government Regulation Number 46 of 2021 concerning Post, Telecommunications and Broadcasting. Apart from that, the Ministry of Industry is also considering deactivating the IMEI of the iPhone 16 series which is currently being sold in Indonesia.
iPhone 16 Banned in Indonesia: A Comedy of Errors
Jakarta: Just when you thought purchasing a new iPhone couldn’t get any trickier, Indonesia spins the ultimate plot twist! The Chairman of the National Economic Council, Luhut Binsar Pandjaitan, has announced the ban on iPhone 16 sales in Indonesia. Why, you ask? Well, apparently, Apple needs to finish a bit of paperwork—what’s this, a day job? Luhut insists the tech giant must complete its investment commitments before it can sell its shiny new toy in the archipelago.
Luhut, in a tone reminiscent of a slightly stern parent, stated that Indonesia is very open to cooperation. “We want to create jobs!” he proclaimed, as if announcing a new theme park. But let’s be real; nothing says ‘let’s create jobs’ like a company chasing after iPhone profits rather than job creation. This is akin to a baker refusing to serve you the bread until you bake them a cake first!
The Job Creation Gamble
According to Luhut, it’s not about high-tech marvels like the latest iPhone; it’s about labor-intensive love! Yes, folks, because we all know building people’s expectations takes more skill than crafting the latest piece of gadgetry. I mean, who needs an iPhone when you can have job opportunities—like working in a garment factory that will be as riveting as watching paint dry? But hey, at least the paint is domestic!
“We don’t talk hi-tech, we’re talking about labor intensive!” – Luhut, the labor-loving sage.
Luhut mentioned the illustrious Chinese investors planning to set up garment factories. Brilliant! Stock up on your fabrics, folks, because you won’t be getting your iPhone anytime soon! “You thought you were getting an iPhone 16? No, my friend, you’re getting a trendy new shirt instead!”
The iPhone 16 Saga Continues
And speaking of trendy, let’s dive into the Ministry of Industry’s recent actions! They’ve slapped a big ol’ “NOPE” on the sales of iPhone 16. Why? Because Apple hasn’t gotten around to building its fourth Developer Academy in Bali. It’s like saying, “You can’t have dessert until you clean your room.” But this messy room is a vast archipelago filled with Apple stores just waiting to emerge!
I can only imagine the conversation at Apple HQ—“Hey, can we sell the iPhone 16 in Indonesia?” “Only if you promise to build an academy.” “Fine, we’ll throw in a fruit basket too!” Talk about negotiation tactics!
The spokesperson for the Ministry highlighted that Apple needs a Domestic Component Level (TKDN) of 40% to get its import permits. It’s like they’ve been given a homework assignment, and we’re all anxiously waiting to see if they can conjure up a passing grade. Who knew the tech industry was so much like school?
Online Marketplaces: The Wild West
But hold onto your hat! Apparently, thousands of iPhone 16 units have already crossed the realm into Indonesia through sneaky little carry-on routes. Around 9,000 units—like a tech ninja invasion! The Ministry of Industry is now considering legally kneecapping any seller who tries to hawk these devices online, claiming it violates government regulations. Ah, the thrill of black-market iPhones!
Don’t you just love it? The adrenaline rush of waiting for your iPhone to arrive undercover, like it’s some sort of secret agent. Just don’t be surprised if MIB (Men in Black) come knocking with their fancy suits!
Final Thoughts
So, what is the moral of this iPhone saga? Well, it seems that bureaucracy is alive and kicking in Jakarta! In this hilarious case of tech and red tape, we are left with the brilliant irony of Indonesia potentially losing a boatload of economic opportunity because Apple didn’t finish its homework. Sit tight, folks! Who knows, next year we might see a new iPhone that’s also a garment factory!
But on the bright side, we still have the thrill of a nationwide scavenger hunt for an elusive iPhone 16—a once-in-a-lifetime experience! Just remember, try not to overpay—otherwise, you might end up with a job instead of a gadget!
Jakarta –
In a significant announcement, Luhut Binsar Pandjaitan, the Chairman of the National Economic Council (DEN), highlighted the Indonesian government’s stance on the sale of the iPhone 16 in the country, stating that Apple must fulfill its investment commitments before the smartphone can be made available to consumers here.
During his address at the Presidential Palace Complex in Central Jakarta on Tuesday (5/11/2024), Luhut emphasized Indonesia’s eagerness to engage in cooperative ventures, particularly those that prioritize domestic production. He articulated that the government is focused on creating new job opportunities for its citizens through these collaborations.
“We are all very open to anything (cooperation), especially if it is produced domestically because we want to create jobs,” stated Luhut, underscoring the administration’s commitment to fostering local economic growth.
Clarifying the government’s approach, Luhut noted that the Indonesian authorities are more interested in the potential for job creation rather than solely focusing on the technological sophistication of products like the iPhone 16. “So we don’t talk hi-tech course, but we’re talking about labor intensive,” he said, indicating a shift towards prioritizing labor-intensive projects.
As part of this economic strategy, Luhut provided examples of impending investments, highlighting Chinese investors’ plans to establish garment factories in Kertajati, West Java, and Sukoharjo, Central Java, demonstrating a clear commitment to opportunities that promise significant job creation in Indonesia.
Sales of iPhone 16 are prohibited. Check the next page.
Ministry of Industry Bans Sales of iPhone 16
In a related development, the Ministry of Industry has officially banned the buying and selling of the iPhone 16 in Indonesia, stemming from delays in Apple’s fulfillment of its investment obligations. The issuance of distribution permits for the iPhone 16 has become contingent upon Apple’s commitment to its investment initiatives.
Currently, Apple has not yet completed the construction of its fourth Apple Developer Academy in Bali, which is crucial for the company’s compliance with local regulations. Febri Hendri Antoni Arif, a spokesperson for the Ministry of Industry, explained that this ongoing project is key to achieving a Domestic Component Level (TKDN) of 40%, a benchmark necessary for importing such high-tech products.
“Apple is building an Apple Academy in Jakarta. Well, finally it wants to make it in Bali. This one in Bali has not yet been realized. So that’s it. To get 40% TKDN,” Febri articulated during a press briefing at the Ministry of Industry Office in South Jakarta on Thursday (31/10/2024). He also indicated that upon achieving the TKDN certificate, Apple would be granted the necessary import permit.
Febri further disclosed that Apple has requested a meeting with the Minister of Industry, Agus Gumiwang Kartasasmita, primarily to discuss investment and distribution permits concerning the iPhone 16’s launch in Indonesia. While the Minister is open to discussions, he emphasized that any talks must be concrete and result-oriented, with particular focus on Apple finalizing its investment commitment in establishing the fourth Apple Academy in Bali.
The Ministry of Industry has observed that there are unauthorized sales of the iPhone 16 being conducted online. Reports suggest that approximately 9,000 units of the iPhone 16 series may have entered Indonesia through passenger carry-on luggage during the period of August to October 2024, having paid applicable taxes upon entry.
Taking action against these violations, the Ministry of Industry has indicated that it will pursue legal action against parties advertising the iPhone 16 series on online marketplaces, as these activities are suspected of breaching article 35 of Government Regulation Number 46 of 2021 concerning Post, Telecommunications, and Broadcasting. Additionally, the Ministry is contemplating the deactivation of the IMEI for the iPhone 16 units currently being sold in Indonesia.
L (TKDN) that meets Indonesian government requirements for the sale of the iPhone 16.
Febri noted that Apple’s lack of progress on this front has prompted the ministry’s decision to enforce the sales ban, aimed at urging the company to accelerate its investment plans. “Until Apple fulfills its investment commitments, the iPhone 16 will remain out of reach for Indonesian consumers,” Febri stated.
This situation has heightened tensions surrounding the regulatory landscape for foreign tech companies operating in Indonesia. The government’s stance underscores its demand for investment commitments in exchange for market access, particularly in industries as lucrative as technology.
As for consumers eager to get their hands on the iPhone 16, they may have to exercise patience. Local buyers have reportedly sought alternative routes, with an influx of devices arriving through travelers’ carry-ons. The Ministry, however, warns that violators of the sales ban could face legal repercussions, including possible IMEI deactivation for unauthorized devices already in circulation.
In dialogue with Apple, the Indonesian government emphasizes that a cooperative relationship hinges on tangible investment outcomes. Luhut’s statements about prioritizing labor-intensive jobs resonate with the broader government aim of bolstering local employment through manufacturing partnerships.
As this saga unfolds, the clash of interests between economic strategies focused on job creation and consumer desire for the latest tech reflects the complexities of international business within regulatory frameworks. Whether Apple can navigate these challenges and meet Indonesia’s demands remains to be seen, but for now, the iPhone 16 remains a tantalizing yet unattainable dream for many in the archipelago.
