Apple said to open first Indonesian R&D center in Jakarta satellite city soon

Image credit: Pixabay.

Apple’s plans to set up a research and development center in Indonesia are taking shape. According to Sanny Iskandar, an expert staff member of the Indonesian ministry of industry, the first one could open in just a few months.

Here are the key facts:

• According to Iskandar, the US firm plans to rent office space at the Green Office Park in Bumi Serpong Damai on the outskirts of Jakarta- a satellite town developed by Indonesian conglomerate Sinar Mas.
• The center is supposed to be operational after Q2 2017. It plans to recruit 300 to 400 local employees.
• Setting up a research center was part of Apple’s commitment to comply with rules that require foreign smartphone makers to invest in the country before they can continue to sell the latest smartphone models.
• Apple reportedly set aside US$44 million for this endeavor. According to Iskandar, the US firm is considering setting up a second R&D center outside of the island of Java, most likely Sumatra.

Source: Kompas

First Bite is an experimental format where we bring you essential, bite-sized tech news and analysis. Like or dislike? Drop your feedback in the comments section below.