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Here in Singapore, the launch of a new iPhone is often greeted with much fanfare. Folks preorder the devices as soon as they’re able, others queue up for hours at Apple Stores to purchase it on launch day, telcos offer bundles featuring the latest model … It’s a pretty big thing here.
However, Apple’s latest model – the iPhone 16 – didn’t receive such a positive welcome in Indonesia. As a matter of fact, it’s currently prohibited from being sold in the country due to the company’s failure to meet a local regulation.
In December 2024, Apple proposed a US$1 billion investment in Indonesia to overturn the ban. However, several months on, the iPhone 16 still can’t be sold in the country because of one key holdout – Agus Gumiwang Kartasasmita, the minister of industry.
Today we look at:
- The Indonesian minister making Apple sweat
- A voice-based payments startup that’s raised fresh funds
- Other newsy highlights such as Apple’s AI partnership with Alibaba in China and BYD’s shares hitting a record high
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The man with a plan
Image credit: Timmy Loen
Kartasasmita is blocking the sale of the iPhone 16 due to Apple’s lack of local manufacturing and components in the device. This is a key regulatory requirement overseen by his ministry, but there may be other reasons why Kartasasmita isn’t agreeing to a deal to overturn the ban just yet.
- A matter of politics: Taking Apple down a notch could give the Prabowo administration an instant popularity boost. It could also strengthen Kartasasmita’s position in Prabowo’s cabinet as well as the minister’s overall political standing, positioning him as a top contender for chairmanship of Golkar, his political party.
- More investment: The Indonesian government, particularly Kartasasmita, is using the ban as leverage to pressure Apple into making substantial investments in local manufacturing and infrastructure, comparable to those made by electric vehicle companies like BYD and Hyundai.
- Tread with caution: While Indonesia wants to attract investment, it risks alienating Apple and other tech companies if it becomes perceived as too difficult or demanding, potentially leading these firms to withdraw from the Indonesian market altogether.
Read more: How one minister is making Apple sweat in Indonesia
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