After iPhone 16, Indonesia Bans Google Pixel Sales. Here's Why

New Delhi: Indonesia has expanded its tech restrictions, announcing a ban on Google Pixel sales, citing non-compliance with local manufacturing requirements. 

The Indonesian Ministry of Industry has announced restrictions on Google smartphone sales until they meet the regulatory requirement of sourcing 40 per cent of content locally. Ministry spokesperson Febri Hendri Antoni Arief emphasized the mandate, stating that “Google must secure local content certification before it can resume sales.”

Speaking to local media, he explained, “The local content requirements and associated policies are designed to ensure fairness for all investors in Indonesia and to enhance value creation while strengthening the domestic industry.”

Earlier the country had banned Apple ’s iPhone 16 sales due to non-compliance with local production standards. For the unversed, these regulations, requiring at least 40 per cent local content, are part of Indonesia's push for tech companies to set up manufacturing facilities domestically, aimed at job creation and economic growth.

Apple ’s current investment stands at 1.48 trillion rupiah out of a committed 1.71 trillion, leaving a gap of 230 billion rupiahs, which has delayed the issuance of the necessary TKDN (Domestic Component Level) certification. 

This shortfall persists despite recent discussions between Apple CEO Tim Cook and President Joko Widodo on potential manufacturing initiatives, including plans for Apple Academies focused on R&D. Until Apple fulfills its investment pledge, the future of iPhone 16 sales in Indonesia remains uncertain.