Apple welcomes offer to build factory in Indonesia

According to Antara, Minister of Communication and Informatics Budi Arie Setiadi said that Tim Cook, the CEO of Apple, responded to Indonesia’s proposal to establish an Apple manufacturing facility in the country in a way that was both positive and welcome.

He described this as the result of the discussion at the Presidential Palace in Jakarta between Cook and President Joko Widodo, also referred to as Jokowi.

“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.

According to Budi, only two components of Apple products are made in Indonesia, a small percentage of the total compared to the 72 components produced by neighboring nations like Vietnam.

In the meantime, statistics from the Industry Ministry indicate that Indonesia bought Apple goods worth US$2 billion in 2023.

In light of this, Budi said that the Indonesian government has started talks with Apple about investing in manufacturing where products are not only for local consumption but also as suppliers for the global supply chain.

“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.

Furthermore, he said the Indonesian government would set up additional meetings between ministries and organizations to promote manufacturing in Indonesia.

Jokowi and Cook also talked about possible benefits for Apple should it decide to formally invest in building manufacturing in Indonesia during their discussion.

On Wednesday morning, Cook arrived at the Presidential Palace to meet with Jokowi about the US technology company’s investment in Indonesia.

Cook stated that his team is considering constructing a manufacturing facility in Indonesia.

When questioned about his confidence in making investments there, Cook responded that he thought Indonesia was a good area to invest in.

“I think investment capabilities in Indonesia are unlimited. I think there are many good places to invest, and we believe in this country.”

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