Jakarta Globe reports that the Indonesian government warns that the Apple iPhone 16 – its latest mobile Apple iPhone offering – may be banned from sale in the Republic in retaliation for failing to act in good faith by keeping pledges made by Apple CEO Tim Cook to President Joko Widodo regarding future Apple investments and local content certification.
Speaking in Jakarta in April 2024 following meetings with the Indonesian President, Cook announced that Bali had been chosen as the fourth location for an Apple Developer Academy in Indonesia. At that time, Cook did not specify when exactly a Bali Apple Developer Academy would be opened, but he pledged he would soon return to Indonesia.
The first Apple Developer Academy opened in Brazil, followed by additional academies in other locations, including South Korea, Indonesia, Saudi Arabia, Italy, and the USA.
Tim Cook promised President Widodo that the Apple Developer Academy in Bali would help create new digital talent. More than 2,000 applications have been received to join Apple Developer Academies. 90% of those accepted have obtained initial positions in e-commerce and transportation.
President Joko Widodo in April 2024
Dissatisfied with the lack of forward movement concerning Cook’s promise, Indonesian Industry Minister Agus Gumiwang Kartasasmita warned that Apple’s local content (TKDN) certificate has expired and might not be renewed.
Quoted by the State News Agency Antara, Agus warned, “The extension” of the TKDN certification is still pending, awaiting further investment realization from Apple.”
Apple has invested approximately US$94.62 million, a figure telecommunication sector observers say is very small compared to the Company’s total sales in Indonesia. Minister Kartasasmita claims Apple has committed to investing an additional Rp. 240 billion in Indonesia.
Kartasasmita is linking the iPhone 16 and other Apple products’ access to the Indonesian marketplace to whether the giant phone maker fulfills its investment promises to Indonesia. Adding: “This is all “based on fairness for investors who have shown strong commitment to investing in Indonesia.”
Apple has established three Apple Academies in Tangerang, Sidoarjo, and Batam. During Tim Cook’s April 2024 visit, he announced plans to open a fourth Apple Academy in Bali.
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