Indonesian Trade Minister Budi Santoso stated that the Ministry of Trade is ready to issue import approval for Apple’s newest device, the iPhone 17.
Budi Santoso said that the Ministry of Trade will promptly process the approval if the tech company fulfills all the requirements.
“As long as it complies with the procedure, we will process it,” Budi Santoso said on Friday.
The approval follows Apple’s application to the Industry Ministry for domestic content certification, a prerequisite under Indonesia’s local content regulations. After receiving the certification, Apple must also obtain distribution clearance from the Ministry of Communication and Digital Affairs, along with import permits from the Ministry of Trade.
The Ministry of Industry previously indicated that Apple’s newest device, the iPhone 17, could be available for sale in Indonesia as early as October 2025.
Apple’s compliance represents a major advancement following the delay of the iPhone 16 launch in Indonesia last year, which was caused by the company’s inability to fulfill local content requirements.
Indonesia mandates smartphone manufacturers to comply with a domestic component threshold, known locally as TKDN, before the products are cleared for sale in the country. This regulation, designed to promote technology transfer, boost local investment, and generate employment, has proven challenging for global companies like Apple, which traditionally depend on the extensive international supply chains.
Apple has pledged to boost its investment in Indonesia, with construction already underway on a new facility in Batam. This facility is expected to produce 65% of the global supply of AirTags. The initial investment, estimated at $1 billion (around Rp16 trillion), is expected to generate up to 2,000 jobs. Over time, the expansion could grow to $10 billion, with the Batam plant scheduled for completion by early 2026.
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