DIGIVESTASI - Minister of Industry Rejects Apple’s IDR 1.58 Trillion Investment Proposal, Indonesia's Minister of Industry, Agus Gumiwang Kartasasmita, has rejected Apple’s investment proposal worth USD 100 million (approximately IDR 1.58 trillion) to secure permission to sell the iPhone 16 Series in Indonesia. He stated that the proposal would be renegotiated as the offered value did not meet the government’s expectations.

“An investment of USD 100 million, based on a technocratic assessment, does not fulfill the principle of fairness,” Agus said during a media briefing at his office on Monday (November 25).

Agus elaborated that Apple’s investment must satisfy four fairness principles to be approved in Indonesia.

Four Principles of Fairness for Apple’s Investment

1. Comparable Investment Value
   The investment amount must be on par with what Apple has committed in other countries that are considered equal partners to Indonesia.

2. Comparable to Competitors’ Contributions
   Apple’s proposed investment should match the contributions of other electronics companies, such as Samsung, which has invested IDR 8 trillion, and Xiaomi, with IDR 5 trillion, in Indonesia.

3. Creation of Value Added
   The investment must generate significant added value and revenue for the country, particularly in terms of import contributions. According to Agus, Apple’s current offer does not meet these standards.

4. Impact on Local Employment
   The investment must create substantial domestic job opportunities.

“These four principles form the fairness framework we are currently developing,” Agus explained.

Renegotiation Process

Agus announced that the government would summon Apple to renegotiate the proposal. He has instructed the Director General of Metals, Machinery, Transportation Equipment, and Electronics (ILMATE), Setia Diarta, to contact Apple promptly.

“In the near future, the Director General will email Apple in the United States to request that they send a negotiation team to Indonesia,” Agus said.

Apple’s Efforts to Secure Market Access

Previously, Apple had reportedly increased its investment offer to USD 100 million—ten times the initial proposal of USD 10 million. This move is seen as Apple’s attempt to persuade the government to lift the ban on selling the iPhone 16 Series in the Indonesian market.

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