Apple Requests a 50-Year Tax Holiday, Indonesian Parliament Furious with This Controversial Request!

Kapanlagi.com - Recently, the issue of banning the distribution of the iPhone 16 in Indonesia has become a public spotlight. The Ministry of Industry (Kemenperin) revealed that the iPhone 16 does not yet have official permission to circulate in the country.

This is due to the device not meeting the International Mobile Equipment Identity (IMEI) requirements needed for the phone to connect to the national telecommunications network.

Not only that, but Apple has also not fully met the investment commitments required by the Indonesian government. Tensions escalated when it was revealed that Apple requested a tax holiday for 50 years if it wanted to invest in Indonesia.

This request immediately caught the attention of Commission VI of the Indonesian Parliament, especially from Commission VI member from the PDIP faction, Mufti Anam. He did not hesitate to condemn Apple's request, calling it 'outrageous' and 'crazy.' This situation is heating up, adding color to the dynamics of technology investment in Indonesia.

1. Apple's Demands Are Considered Excessive

During a working meeting held by Commission VI of the Indonesian House of Representatives (DPR RI) with State-Owned Enterprises Minister Erick Thohir, Mufti Anam sharply criticized Apple's request for a 50-year tax holiday, calling it a highly inappropriate action. He even supported the government's move to block the iPhone from the Indonesian market.

"Currently, social media is buzzing about the ban on the entry of the iPhone 16 into Indonesia. After investigating the government's reasons, it turns out that Apple is asking for a tax holiday for half a century. This is truly insane! It is time for the iPhone to be blocked from our country," asserted Mufti, as reported by Liputan6 on Tuesday (5/11).

He also highlighted how Apple has reaped substantial profits from the Indonesian market, yet seems reluctant to invest seriously in the country.

"They have already pocketed a lot of money from the Indonesian people, but to invest here, they are instead asking for a 50-year tax holiday," he added with a condemning tone.

2. The Hope of the Indonesian Parliament: Indonesia Should Not Depend on Apple

Mufti Anam invited State-Owned Enterprises Minister Erick Thohir to participate in resolving the ongoing polemic, with the hope that Indonesia can reduce its dependence on Apple products.

"We ask the Minister of State-Owned Enterprises, who has an extraordinary network and experience in handling international football, to intervene so that we are no longer trapped in dependence on the iPhone," Mufti stated.

Moreover, he called on the Indonesian people to be more critical of Apple's demands, even considering blocking all Apple products if necessary. "We and the Indonesian people are angry with the iPhone. If necessary, all iPhone products should be banned from entering our country. This is already an insult to our nation," he asserted.

3. Economic Perspective: Is the Tax Holiday Policy Too Long?

The Indonesian government often launches tax holiday policies to attract foreign investors, especially in strategic fields such as technology and energy.

However, these incentives typically only apply for a short period, a few years at most, not up to 50 years as proposed by Apple. The application is considered too excessive and not commensurate with the benefits that the company would provide to Indonesia.

4. Other Requirements: Domestic Component Level (TKDN)

In addition to receiving tax holiday facilities, Apple now faces the challenge of meeting the Domestic Component Level (TKDN) requirement of 40% in order to launch their products in Indonesia. This policy is designed to encourage the growth of the local industry and create more jobs in the country.

However, problems arose when Apple's TKDN certificate expired and had not been renewed. This tech giant is expected to realize an investment commitment of IDR 1.71 trillion, but so far has only reached IDR 1.48 trillion, leaving a gap of IDR 240 billion that still needs to be fulfilled.

The Indonesian government has also emphasized that the iPhone 16 will not receive official approval until all those commitments are fulfilled.

5. Indonesian Consumer Expectations

As consumers and part of Indonesian society, we all hope that Apple not only enjoys the large market potential in our country but also commits to serious investment.

We want to see this giant company make a real contribution, such as creating jobs, supporting the development of local industries, and actively participating in advancing the national economy. With this step, Apple can become a true partner in Indonesia's development journey!

6. Why is Apple requesting a 50-year tax holiday in Indonesia?

In an ambitious move to expand its investments in Indonesia, Apple has reportedly applied for a 50-year tax holiday.

However, this seemingly fantastic request has received sharp criticism from various quarters, including members of the Indonesian House of Representatives, who believe that the demand is excessive and not aligned with the country's economic interests.

7. What caused the iPhone 16 to be unable to enter Indonesia?

The iPhone 16 is forced to be absent from the Indonesian market because it does not have a valid IMEI, and Apple has not fulfilled the investment commitments set by the government.

This has made gadget enthusiasts in the country wait longer to experience the presence of this advanced phone.

8. What is the response of the Indonesian House of Representatives regarding the tax holiday request?

The Indonesian House of Representatives, particularly Commission VI, firmly rejected the request and proposed a bold step: to block iPhone products as a form of striking protest.

This step is expected to send a strong signal about Indonesia's dissatisfaction with the current situation, while also demonstrating solidarity and courage in defending national interests.

(kpl/rmt)