Apple Achieves Local Content Certification in Indonesia Amid Permit Challenges

Indonesia has provided local content certificates for 20 Apple products, including the iPhone 16, while the company seeks additional permits to sell the phones. Apple’s compliance with local component requirements earned these certifications following their $300 million investment announcement. The company is currently outside the top five smartphone brands in Indonesia, necessitating further approvals to proceed with sales.

On Friday, it was reported that Indonesia has issued local content certificates for 20 Apple products, including the iPhone 16. However, Apple must still secure permits from additional ministries before it can commence sales in the country. This certification comes in light of Apple’s recent announcement of over $300 million in investments within Indonesia, which includes manufacturing facilities and a research and development center.

Last year, Indonesia had prohibited the sale of the iPhone 16 because Apple did not comply with the regulations concerning locally-sourced components. The certificates were granted for 11 phone models and 9 tablets, fulfilling the local content requirements as stated by ministry spokesperson Febri Hendri Antoni Arief. Moving forward, Apple is required to obtain approvals from both the communications and digital ministry and the trade ministry to sell its products in Indonesia.

The negotiations between Apple and Indonesia’s industry ministry were described as “tricky,” highlighting the complexities faced by Apple. As of the third quarter of last year, Apple had fallen outside of the top five smartphone brands in the Indonesian market, according to research firm Canalyst.

Overall, while Apple is making significant progress with its local content certification, the achievement of necessary permits is crucial for the launch of its products, specifically the new iPhone 16 series, in Indonesia.

In summary, Indonesia’s issuance of local content certificates for Apple products marks a pivotal step towards the potential sale of the iPhone 16 in the country. Despite this progress, Apple must navigate further administrative hurdles to secure sales permits from the relevant ministries. The negotiations are complex, yet the company remains committed to expanding its presence through substantial investments in local infrastructure.

Original Source: en.tempo.co