Apple announces Indonesia academy as Tim Cook meets Jokowi

Tim Cook during his 2024 visit in Indonesia / Photo credit: Tim Cook’s X page

Apple has announced that it is planning to launch an Apple Developer Academy in Bali, Indonesia. This would be the iPhone maker’s fourth academy in the country, following those in Jakarta, Surabaya, and Batam.

The Bali academy’s launch comes amid Apple boss Tim Cook’s visit to Indonesia. Cook arrived last night, according to his X account, and has gone to Indonesia’s Presidential Palace this morning to meet with President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo.

Budi Arie Setiadi, the country’s minister of communication and information, said in a press statement that the meeting discussed “Apple’s strategic plans for Indonesia and how Indonesia can be part of the global supply chain.” Previously, Setiadi said Apple will be exploring potential investments in the country, which may include a local factory – something Jokowi reiterated at the meeting.

The US-based firm has not provided any details beyond the academy launch. In response to press questions, Cook said that Jokowi’s request to open a local factory “is something we will examine.”

The Apple Developer Academy’s nine-month program teaches basic coding, design, marketing, and project management. It is open to applicants worldwide, irrespective of their education or coding knowledge.

The company said 90% of graduates have found jobs in sectors like education, ecommerce, transportation, and sustainability, with some founding startups of their own. In Indonesia alone, over 2,000 developers have graduated since the country’s first academy launched in 2018.

Apple is keeping a close eye on Southeast Asia amid challenges in China. Last month, it opened Southeast Asia’s first Apple Developer Center in Singapore.

Before flying into Indonesia, Cook visited Vietnam. During the visit, Apple announced it would increase its investment in Vietnam-based electronics suppliers, in line with the company’s shift in focus to emerging markets.

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