A minister in Indonesia says the local government expects Apple to shortly offer $1 billion in investment, in order to end the country's ban on iPhone 16 sales.
Members of the Apple Developer Academies in Indonesia
Apple used to qualify for Indonesia's import regulations because it invested in development opportunities there, but then fell short of its promised commitment. Since the end of October 2024, the Indonesian government has banned all iPhone 16 sales.
According to Reuters, Investment Minister Rosan Roeslani first told Indonesian lawmakers that the country will raise its requirements. The minister then said publicly that he expects to see a $1 billion investment commitment from Apple within a week.
"Whoever benefits from the sales must invest here, create jobs here," said Rosan. "What's important is how the global value chain moves here, because once it does, suppliers follow."
Following the ban, Apple made a token offer of $10 million investment. Indonesia rejected that, and then also rejected Apple's next offer of $100 million
According to the Financial Times, Apple sold around 2.9 million iPhones in Indonesia in 2023.
Nonetheless, Indonesia has been growing in importance to Apple, though as yet it has not moved any manufacturing to the country as it has to India and Vietnam. In April 2024, Tim Cook did promise Indonesia that Apple would consider manufacturing there.
That promise came as Apple opened its fourth Developer Academy in the country.
Apple has not commented on investment minister Rosan Roeslani's announcements.