“They’ve already submitted the permit for the iPhone 16, but not for the iPhone 17,” he told reporters after attending a hearing with Commission VII of the House of Representatives (DPR RI) in Jakarta on Wednesday.
Although the sales request remains pending, Kartasasmita said Apple is continuing with its investment plans in the country.
One example is the Apple Developer Academy at BINUS University in Bali, which opened on August 28. Apple also plans to launch the Apple Software Indonesia and Technology Institute, as well as the Apple Professional Developer Academy, he added.
“The partnership between Apple and the Indonesian government is going well. All investments are still on track,” Kartasasmita said.
As previously reported, Apple has committed to expanding its presence in Indonesia.
A factory currently under construction by one of its vendors in Batam is expected to produce 65 percent of the world’s AirTag devices.
The project is valued at 1 billion US dollars, or approximately 16 trillion rupiah, and could generate up to 2,000 jobs. The factory is slated for completion by early 2026.
According to the Ministry of Investment, Apple’s AirTag manufacturing facility in Batam will proceed as planned, despite the potential imposition of import tariffs by U.S. President Donald Trump.
Deputy for Investment Promotion at the ministry, Nurul Ichwan,, recently stated that the Batam-produced AirTags are not intended for the U.S. market, minimizing the impact of any future tariffs.
Apple works with hundreds of suppliers worldwide, many of which are already based in countries such as Thailand, Malaysia, and Vietnam.
By bringing Apple vendors to Indonesia, the country could deepen its role in the global technology supply chain and attract further U.S. investment.
Indonesian officials believe this could also pave the way for other American tech companies to invest and operate in the country.
Related news: Indonesia boosts innovation with new Apple Developer Academy in Bali
Related news: Ministry assures Apple's US move will not impact Indonesia
Translator: Maria CGP, Rahmad Nasution
Editor: Aditya Eko Sigit Wicaksono
Copyright © ANTARA 2025
