Indonesia Pushes Apple for Bigger Investment to Sell iPhone 16

The Indonesian government is urging Apple to increase its proposed $100 million investment as the tech giant negotiates clearance to sell its iPhone 16 in the country. The new model currently fails to meet Indonesia’s stringent 40% domestic content requirement, which aims to bolster local industries and create jobs.

Current Proposal

Apple’s $100 million proposal includes:

Establishing a research and development center program.
Launching a professional development academy.
Commencing production of AirPods Max accessory components, including mesh, by July 2025.

While the offer is a significant increase—10 times higher than earlier proposals—Indonesian officials believe it is insufficient.

Government’s Stance

A spokesperson for Indonesia’s Ministry of Industry, Febri Hendri Antoni Arif, emphasized the need for a larger investment to bolster the country’s manufacturing sector. He highlighted the domestic industry’s readiness to support the production of Apple components, such as chargers and accessories.

“From the government’s perspective, we want this investment to be larger,” Arif told state media.

Market Potential

Although Indonesia accounts for a small fraction of Apple’s global market, the nation offers tremendous growth opportunities due to:

Population Size: Indonesia is the world’s fourth-largest country by population.
Demographics: A young, tech-savvy population with increasing digital literacy aligns with Apple’s global sales strategy.
Supply Chain Diversification: Indonesia’s manufacturing and assembly capabilities complement Apple’s efforts to reduce reliance on existing production hubs.

Le Xuan Chiew, an analyst from Canalys, notes that Apple’s proposal reflects its long-term approach to securing a foothold in this promising market.

Next Steps

Apple is expected to revisit its offer to meet Indonesia’s demands for a “fair” commitment.
The negotiations are seen as pivotal for Apple’s broader supply chain diversification and regional sales strategy.

As Indonesia leverages its regulatory framework to attract investments, Apple faces a balancing act of complying with local demands while safeguarding its global operations.