After Apple’s iPhone 16 faced restrictions in Indonesia due to non-compliance with the country’s local manufacturing requirements, Google appears to be encountering similar challenges. Reports indicate that Pixel devices are also being barred from official distribution in the Indonesian market. This follows enforcement of Indonesia’s “TKDN” (Domestic Content Level) policy, which mandates that at least 40% of a device’s components or production must be sourced locally to gain market access.
For now, Google has not officially distributed its Pixel smartphones in Indonesia, so this restriction mainly impacts unofficial imports. Devices like the iPhone 16 and Pixel models brought in through personal means can still be used domestically but must be registered with customs and are strictly prohibited from being resold. The government’s actions aim to promote fairness for manufacturers investing locally and to foster industrial growth within the country.
This policy reflects Indonesia’s broader push to ensure foreign companies contribute to local economies, with Apple already facing scrutiny for lagging in its investment commitments. The increased enforcement of IMEI blocking for non-compliant devices highlights the government’s firm stance on supporting domestic manufacturing.
With no Pixel phones officially sold in Indonesia yet, it remains to be seen if Google will modify its approach to meet these regulations. This situation further underscores the growing challenges for global tech brands navigating local compliance rules in emerging markets.