Asia Tech Wire (Oct 28) -- The Indonesian government has announced a ban on the sale of Apple's iPhone 16 series smartphones in the country.

Apple is unable to sell its new iPhone 16 series, which was released in September, in Indonesia because the company failed to meet local investment targets.

According to a Jakarta Globe report, the phones can enter Indonesia if they are for personal use or shipped via courier services.

"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," said Febri Hendri Antoni Arief, spokesperson for Indonesia's Ministry of Industry, in a statement on Saturday.

Each traveler can bring a maximum of two iPhone 16s into Indonesia, the report said.

So far, about 9,000 iPhone 16s have entered Indonesia via personal baggage and paid taxes. However, if these phones are sold in Indonesia, it will be considered illegal.

In addition there is a permit for iPhone 16 devices for non-commercial use to enter Indonesia through the postal service.

Agus Gumiwang Kartasasmita, Indonesia's Minister of Industry, said a few days ago that Apple had not yet fulfilled its promise to invest Rp 1.7 trillion (US$109 million) in Indonesia, a prerequisite for obtaining a license to sell the iPhone there.

Agus said Apple has invested Rp 1.48 trillion so far.

Apple said earlier this month, "We are deeply committed to Indonesia and excited to bring all of our latest products, including the iPhone 16 line-up, to our customers as soon as possible."