BKPM Says Apple to Invest in Indonesia

ID/Ridho Syukra

The US technology giant Apple will invest some $3 million in Indonesia in plans that could see the country become just the third in Asia to host an official Apple retail store, according to the head of the country’s Investment Coordinating Board (BKPM).

“There are many leading global companies that will invest in Indonesia, including among them Apple Inc., a renowned computer maker from the United States,” Chatib Basri told a press conference on Tuesday.

He said Apple is planning to start by opening its official online store in Indonesia and will later open an official dealership for its products in Jakarta.

He added that Apple’s plan to invest in the country was also in line with the plans of Taiwanese technology giant Foxconn to invest here. Foxconn is a major manufacturer of Apple gadgets and in June announced plans to invest up to $10 billion in Indonesia over the next five years.

“I do not have a figure for the number of official dealerships that will be invested in here because it is still in the discussion phase. But this investment is in line with Foxconn, the Taiwanese company that also assembles Apple products,” he said.

“So far, they are just looking at the situation in Indonesia and they already have received an approval. Hopefully they are interested and process their business permits here,” Chatib said.

Speaking at the same event, Azhar Lubis, who is the deputy for investment control and implementation at the board, confirmed the plans.

“We hope that Apple can soon realize its investment in Indonesia. After they make a commitment to invest … they would need land and at present they are still in the process of discussions with the BKPM,” he said. 

Corrected to reflect an amended count of official Apple stores in Asia.