Indonesia cracks down on unofficial iPhone 16, Google Pixel sales

Tangerang, Banten (ANTARA) - Indonesia's Trade Minister Budi Santoso has pledged to implement strict measures targeting e-commerce platforms listing unauthorized iPhone 16 series and Google Pixel devices, as the government has yet to issue a permit on sales of those gadgets.

"We always evaluate the e-commerce (platforms). If we find any violations regarding the sales of iPhone 16 and Google Pixel, we will take action," he remarked on Tuesday.

His side prohibits e-commerce platforms from selling iPhone 16 series products and Google Pixel smartphones produced by Alphabet.

The government is still reviewing the plan to sell the two smartphone models as they have not met the rules for using the Domestic Component Level (TKDN).

In addition, Santoso affirmed that his side would deploy a team if sales of those smartphones were to be found.

He told the media crew to confirm directly with the Ministry of Industry regarding technical regulations prohibiting the sale of the iPhone 16 series and Google Pixel in Indonesia.

Sales of iPhone 16 devices remain banned in Indonesia due to non-compliance with the domestic component level (TKDN) regulations.

However, his side believes that such devices are likely entering Indonesia through hand-carry by international passengers, flight crew, or sent via expedition services.

Santoso emphasized that these goods are not allowed to be sold.

"The iPhone 16 series carried by passengers and subject to tax are items that cannot be sold and are limited to the personal use of passengers," the spokesperson of the Industry Ministry, Febri Hendri Antoni Arif, stated.

Arif also said that the ministry is considering deactivating the International Mobile Equipment Identity (IMEI) serial number for iPhone 16 products proven to be traded domestically.

According to Arif, Apple, as the iPhone 16 producer, had sent a letter to Minister of Industry Agus Gumiwang Kartasasmita for a hearing on the matter.