Heaptalk, Jakarta — Apple Inc., the producer of the iPhone 16, has proposed increasing its investment to as much as $100 million over two years in Indonesia, Bloomberg reported (11/19).
Previously, the U.S.-based tech company had pledged only $10 million to establish a production facility for components and accessories in Bandung, West Java. This enhanced investment offer is expected to encourage the Indonesian government to lift the ban on selling the iPhone 16 in the country.
According to Bloomberg, sources familiar with the matter revealed that the Ministry of Industry requested Apple to redirect its investment focus after submitting a new investment proposal. Rather than building a production facility, the Ministry urged the company to prioritize research and development (R&D) for smartphone technology in Indonesia.
As of now, the Ministry has not issued an official statement regarding its response or decision on Apple’s revised offer. In May 2024, Apple opened its fourth Apple Developer Academy in Bali, following earlier academies in Jakarta, Surabaya, and Batam. This program aims to nurture information technology (IT) talent, specifically for Apple-based application development.
Launched in 2018 in Jakarta, the Apple Developer Academy has produced over 2,000 developers. Around 90% of its graduates have found employment in diverse sectors, including education, e-commerce, transportation, and sustainability. According to Minister of Industry Agus Gumiwang Kartasasmita, the company has invested approximately $98.5 million in funding to establish these programs across the four locations.
