Until When IPhone 16 Is Prohibited From Being Sold In Indonesia, Here's The Government's Explanation

Until when the iPhone 16 is prohibited from being sold in Indonesia (Freepic)

YOGYAKARTA - The Indonesian government still does not allow the sale of the iPhone series 15 domestically. This news has become a hot topic of conversation in the public, especially mobile phone sellers and lovers of Apple products. So how long is the iPhone 16 prohibited from being sold in Indonesia?

The Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs, Airlangga Hartarto, revealed that the government is still waiting for Apple to comply with the provisions of the Domestic Component Level (TKDN) for the iPhone 16 Series product. Because of this, the government is still unable to confirm when to grant distribution permits for these products in Indonesia.

"Regarding the iPhone, we will see TKDN later," said Airlangga Hartarto during a press conference on Tuesday, November 5.

Airlangga also said that the government would continue to encourage Apple to comply with the applicable TKDN provisions. If they meet these requirements, the government can open permits for the sale and purchase of the iPhone 16 in the country.

"Of course we will encourage and also his team will also be perfected by changes," said Airlangga Hartarto.

Spokesperson for the Ministry of Industry, Febri Hendri Antoni Arif, said that the Ministry of Industry will continue to monitor the issue of the circulation of the iPhone 16 cellphone in Indonesia. So far, his party has not issued a TKDN certificate for the latest cellphone product from Apple.

Febri also said that iPhone 16 products that are currently allowed to enter Indonesia are only for certain categories. The allowed iPhone 16 Series is passenger luggage, early or by post and is not traded.

"Adding to the previous statement from the Minister of Industry, the iPhone 16 series that entered Indonesia with passengers and paying taxes was luggage that should not be traded and limited to the personal use of passengers," Febri said as quoted from a press release from the Ministry of Industry on Friday, October 25.

The spokesman for the Ministry of Industry also explained that basically the iPhone 15 is included in the category of postal goods (posts and telecommunications) that are allowed to enter Indonesia through the Directorate General of Customs and Excise. This provision is based on Article 35 in Government Regulation Number 46 of 2021 concerning Posts, Telecommunications, and Broadcasting.

In addition, the iPhone requirements for this category to be brought into Indonesia are also limited. Every single person or passenger cannot carry an iPhone 16 exceeding two units.

The provision also explains that the luggage and/or goods sent through the post organizers used for their own needs are not traded and/or not for commercial purposes are exempt from technical standard obligations, which include TKDN obligations of 35 percent.

"In accordance with the previous statement from the Minister, the iPhone 16 devices imported by registered importers cannot be marketed domestically, because PT Apple Indonesia has not fulfilled its investment commitment to obtain TKDN certification for the innovation scheme," said Febri.

The Ministry of Industry estimates that in the period from August to October 2024, approximately 9,000 iPhone 16 series units have entered Indonesia via passenger luggage. The incoming iPhone 16 phone has also paid taxes.

The cellphone in question is legally entered. But if the iPhone is traded in Indonesia, it will become an illegal product. The Ministry of Industry asks the public to report if they meet parties who trade iPhone 16 phones from passenger luggage.

This is information related to how long the iPhone 16 is prohibited from being sold in Indonesia. The new government will grant an iPhone 16 distribution permit in Indonesia if Apple meets the TKDN provisions. Also read how much iPhone taxes are purchased abroad.

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