JAKARTA: Minister of Communication and Informatics, Budi Arie Setiadi, stated that Apple chief executive officer Tim Cook gave a positive and welcome response to Indonesia’s request to build an Apple manufacturing factory in Indonesia, reported Antara.
He conveyed this as the outcome of the meeting between Cook and President Joko Widodo, better known as Jokowi, at the Presidential Palace in Jakarta.
“At the meeting, the president asked Apple to increase Indonesia’s role in the global supply chain, and Apple welcomed this,“ he noted on Wednesday.
In terms of component production for Apple products, only two components are produced in Indonesia, which is far from 72 components manufactured by neighbouring countries, such as Vietnam, Budi pointed out.
Meanwhile, based on the Industry Ministry’s data in 2023, Indonesia imported US$2 billion worth of Apple products.
Reflecting on this, the Indonesian government has opened discussions for Apple to consider investing in manufacturing in which products are not only for domestic use but the people also serve as suppliers for the global supply chain, Budi remarked.
“The government says that the (Indonesian) market is open, and many Apple products have entered our country before. For now, do not just import it. Apple products must have added values for Indonesia,“ the minister emphasised.
In addition, the Indonesian government would prepare further meetings between ministries and institutions to encourage Apple manufacturing in Indonesia, he stated.
During the meeting, Cook and Jokowi also discussed the possibility of providing incentives to Apple if it officially invests to build a factory in Indonesia.
Cook arrived at the Presidential Palace on Wednesday morning to meet with Jokowi to discuss the US technology company’s investment in Indonesia.
Cook said his side is considering plans to build an Apple production factory in Indonesia.
When asked about his confidence in investing in Indonesia, Cook stated that he believed Indonesia was a good place to invest.
“I think investment capabilities in Indonesia are unlimited. I think there are many good places to invest, and we believe in this country.”
