Jakarta, March 14 (Reuters) - Indonesia has granted telecommunications permits for five models of Apple's iPhone 16, stated the communications ministry on Friday, marking progress towards sales resumption following a domestic ban.
The permits were issued a week after Indonesia included the iPhone 16 in its approval list. Apple is still required to obtain an import permit from the trade ministry in order to sell the iPhones within the country, according to the industry ministry.
Indonesia, a Southeast Asian nation with a population of about 280 million, imposed restrictions due to Apple's failure to meet local component requirements. Analysts warn that these regulations may dent investor confidence and raise protectionism concerns.
The five telecommunication certificates were for the iPhone 16e, iPhone 16, iPhone 16 Plus, iPhone 16 Pro, and iPhone 16 Pro Max models.
This permit issuance follows last month's announcement of Apple's increased investments in facilities, including plants producing components and a research and development center.
Apple has not yet responded to requests for comment. Dwi Handoko, a senior official at the communications ministry, confirmed that Apple had requested and obtained these five permits.