Indonesia is on the verge of finalizing a deal with Apple Inc. that could lead to the lifting of the ban on iPhone 16 sales in the country, according to Investment Minister Rosan Roeslani. Speaking with Bloomberg News on Tuesday, Roeslani expressed confidence that the issue could be resolved within the next one or two weeks, reports Reuters.
The sales ban was implemented last year after Apple failed to meet Indonesia’s requirement that smartphones sold in the country must contain at least 40% locally sourced components. With a population of approximately 280 million, Indonesia has been encouraging foreign companies to invest in local manufacturing as part of its efforts to boost the economy.
Although Apple has no production facilities in Indonesia, the company has been active in the country’s tech sector, establishing application developer academies since 2018. Apple has not yet commented on the matter, and the Indonesian government has also not released an official statement.
Should the deal go through, it would allow the iPhone 16 to be sold legally in Indonesia, potentially easing tensions between the tech giant and the Southeast Asian nation.
Bd-pratidin English/ Jisan
