The Indonesian government has placed a ban on Apple’s iPhone 16 series, designating it illegal to sell, buy, or use within the country. This decision stems from Apple’s failure to comply with Indonesia’s local manufacturing laws, which mandate that a portion of components for electronic devices sold domestically be sourced within Indonesia or assembled locally. The law, designed to boost the nation’s tech manufacturing sector, requires companies like Apple to contribute to domestic industry rather than relying solely on imports.
As a result of this restriction, local telecom carriers are prohibited from providing network support for the iPhone 16 series, meaning any imported devices will have limited to no functionality. Officials have issued a stern warning to retailers and consumers that penalties could apply to those found distributing or using the iPhone 16. This step reinforces Indonesia’s focus on economic self-sufficiency in high-tech markets, positioning it as one of the few countries taking a strict stance against the availability of global flagship tech products that do not meet local sourcing criteria.