October 28, 2024 – The Indonesian Ministry of Industry has announced that travelers are permitted to bring iPhone 16 devices into the country, but the sale of these devices is prohibited.
Due to Apple not meeting Indonesia’s local investment targets, the newly released iPhone 16 series, which launched in September, cannot be sold in Indonesia. However, according to the Jakarta Globe, individuals are allowed to bring in the phones for personal use or through delivery services.
Febri Hendri Antoni Arif, a spokesperson for the Indonesian Ministry of Industry, stated in a declaration on October 26th that “The iPhone 16 brought in by travelers and subject to taxation is considered a personal item and cannot be sold. It is strictly for the traveler’s personal use.”
Reports indicate that each traveler can bring in up to two iPhone 16 devices into Indonesia. Between August and October, around 9,000 iPhone 16 devices entered Indonesia as personal luggage and were taxed accordingly. Nevertheless, selling these phones in Indonesia would be considered illegal.
Additionally, iPhone 16 devices entering Indonesia through postal services for non-commercial purposes are also allowed, as they are not subject to meeting local investment targets.
The Jakarta Post reported on October 22nd that Apple has not fulfilled its commitment to invest 1.71 trillion Indonesian rupiahs in Indonesia, which is a prerequisite for obtaining a local sales permit for mobile phones. According to the report, Apple has invested 1.48 trillion Indonesian rupiahs so far.
Apple stated on October 11th, “We are deeply invested in the Indonesian market and look forward to bringing all our latest products, including the iPhone 16 series, to our customers as soon as possible.”
