Heaptalk, Jakarta — The iPhone 16 has not been able to enter the Indonesian market. According to Indonesia’s Minister of Industry, Agus Gumiwang Kartasasmita, in a press statement on Tuesday (4/3), the device still awaits a distribution permit from the Ministry of Communication and Digital Affairs (Komdigi).
Minister of Communication and Informatics, Meutya Hafid, confirmed Agus Gumiwang’s statement during a media briefing at the Kominfo office on Wednesday (5/3). “As of now, we have not yet received the certification request. Once we receive the request, we will process it according to the applicable procedures,” Meutya explained.
Meutya Hafid emphasized that Kominfo’s certification ensures that devices circulating in Indonesia do not interfere with other frequency spectrums. “This certification is also crucial to protect users from potential radiation emissions that could exceed safe health limits. All telecommunication devices, including smartphones, tablets, and 4G/5G devices like the iPhone 16, must obtain this certification before being marketed in Indonesia,” she stated.
Additionally, Regulation No. 23 of 2016 issued by the Ministry of Communication and Informatics stipulates that telecommunication devices must meet the Domestic Component Level (TKDN) technical requirements to be marketed in Indonesia.
Earlier, Minister of Industry Agus Gumiwang Kartasasmita revealed that the TKDN certification process for the iPhone 16 is 40% complete and is expected to be finalized during the upcoming Ramadan. “The TKDN certification process began after signing a cooperation agreement between the Indonesian government and Apple in Singapore on Wednesday (26/2),” Agus said.
Agus further explained that the collaboration between the Ministry of Industry and Apple is not solely focused on TKDN certification but also on Apple’s planned investments in Indonesia. During the new investment period of 2026-2028, Apple is set to inject USD 160 million, or approximately IDR 2.62 trillion, into the country.
This investment will establish new facilities, such as the Apple Software Indonesian and Technology Institute and the Apple Professional Developer Academy, to enhance human resource development and technological advancement in Indonesia.
The delay in the iPhone 16’s entry into the Indonesian market underscores the importance of regulatory compliance, particularly in ensuring device safety and supporting local industry standards. As the certification process continues, stakeholders await further updates on when the highly anticipated device will officially launch in Indonesia.
