Popular product used in Australia now ‘illegal’ in Bali

Many Australian tourists have this product, however Bali has now banned it with the government asking for those using it to be reported.

Travellers heading to Bali could be surprised to learn that a popular product used in Australia is now “illegal” in the holiday hotspot.

The Indonesian Government has announced that Apple iPhone 16 devices are not permitted to be sold in the country due to investment obligations that it claims Apple has not yet met. Due to this, the Ministry of Industry said it cannot release the International Mobile Equipment Identity (IMEI) for the devices, which is a unique identifying number.

“We, the Ministry of Industry, cannot yet issue permits for the iPhone 16 because there are still commitments that must be realised by Apple,” Minister of Industry (Menperin) Agus Gumiwang Kartasasmita told CNBC Indonesia on Tuesday.

Mr Kartasasmita said that as a result, iPhone 16s operating in Indonesia are banned.

“If there is an iPhone 16 that can operate in Indonesia, it means that I can say it is illegal,” he said.

“Report it to us because we have not issued a permit (for the device), that they still have to realise the commitment that they have agreed between us and them, it is definitely illegal, the IMEI is not issued by the Ministry of Industry.”

While Apple had secured the necessary certification for the iPhone devices previously, it has reportedly since expired. The Indonesian government says the device will remain unavailable for local sale unless Apple updates its certification requirements and increases its investment in the country.

The Apple iPhone 16 is not allowed to be sold in Indonesia. Picture: Peter Nicholls/Getty Images

It was later clarified that devices brought in to Indonesia for personal use by travellers, flight crews or shipped through courier services are permitted, according to The Jakarta Globe.

“iPhone 16 units brought by passengers and subject to taxes are personal belongings that cannot be sold and are limited to the passenger’s personal use,” Ministry’s spokesperson Febri Hendri Antoni Arif, said in a statement on Saturday.

According to estimates by the Ministry, approximately 9000 units of the iPhone 16 entered Indonesia between August and October 2024 through personal baggage and have paid taxes. While these phones are legally in Indonesia, they will be deemed illegal if they are sold, The Jakarta Globe reported.

Mr Arif explained that personal belongings and items sent through the post for non-commercial use are not required to meet technical standards, including the local content (TKDN) obligation of 35 per cent.

New rules have been announced in Indonesia. Picture: iStock

Australian travellers have posted on local Facebook groups to share their disbelief at the news, with many seeking clarity on the rules.

“Bali is going to lose people to Thailand,” one tourist wrote upon learning about the restrictions.

“Why? How stupid,” another vented.

“I don’t have a 16, but seriously Bali is starting to get too difficult!” an exasperated tourist commented.

Some tourists confirmed that they were able to use their iPhone 16 devices in Bali recently without issues.

“I’ve just been and used mine … no one said anything,” wrote a tourist who said they had just returned from the holiday island two days ago.

news.com.au has contacted Apple for comment.