The Indonesian Ministry of Industry (Kemenperin) is actively monitoring public reports regarding the sale of the iPhone 16, which has recently entered the country as personal luggage from international travelers. In response to concerns, Kemenperin has reiterated its warning to the public against purchasing the iPhone 16 currently available in Indonesia, emphasizing that these devices are meant solely for personal use by travelers.

Febri Hendri Antoni Arif, spokesperson for Kemenperin, stated, “We have received public reports and are tracking the circulation of the iPhone 16. There are already reports of certain parties selling this model, including through online marketplaces. We urge the public not to be tempted by offers for the iPhone 16 on online platforms or physical stores.” The Ministry is committed to following up on these reports and any related information regarding the buying and selling of the iPhone 16.

One significant issue highlighted by the ministry is the potential risk to buyers. Purchasing an iPhone 16 from travelers poses several challenges, including the lack of warranty from authorized distributors. This means that consumers who buy these devices will have no consumer protection in case of issues, thereby increasing their risk.

Kemenperin also cautioned travelers bringing the iPhone 16 into Indonesia to refrain from handing over their devices to others for resale. This action could lead to legal repercussions for those involved in unauthorized sales.

The Ministry is prepared to take legal action against any entities advertising the iPhone 16 on online marketplaces, as this is suspected to violate Article 35 of Government Regulation No. 46 of 2021 concerning postal services, telecommunications, and broadcasting. Furthermore, Kemenperin is contemplating the deactivation of the International Mobile Equipment Identity (IMEI) numbers for any iPhone 16 units found to be sold in Indonesia, as this would render them illegal for use.

Febri clarified, “The iPhone 16 that is brought in by travelers is legal upon entry but becomes illegal if sold within the country. This is because such sales do not align with the intended purpose under which the devices were brought into Indonesia, which is for personal use only. Therefore, we are considering deactivating the IMEI of iPhone 16 devices that are confirmed to be sold in Indonesia.”

These measures are part of Kemenperin's broader strategy to ensure that PT Apple Indonesia fulfills its investment commitments and maintains fairness for all smartphone investors in the country. The Ministry highlighted the scale of Apple’s operations, noting that in 2023 and 2024, the company imported and sold approximately 3.8 million units of mobile devices, including smartphones and tablets, in Indonesia. Assuming an average selling price of IDR 5 million per unit, the total sales value could reach around IDR 19 trillion. This figure is expected to be even higher when considering Apple's import and sales activities since 2016.

However, despite these significant sales figures, PT Apple Indonesia has struggled to meet its investment commitments, specifically the IDR 1.7 trillion investment pledge over eight years, which is essential for obtaining the necessary certification under the local content regulations.

Currently, devices imported by registered importers are not yet available for sale in Indonesia. This is due to PT Apple Indonesia’s failure to fulfill its investment commitment required to obtain the domestic content certification.

As of the end of October 2024, Kemenperin estimates that around 9,000 units of the iPhone 16 have entered Indonesia via personal baggage and have already paid the applicable taxes.