Apple CEO Tim Cook expressed interest in potentially manufacturing in Indonesia during a meeting with Indonesian President Joko Widodo. Cook mentioned that they discussed the president's aspiration to establish manufacturing in the country, indicating that Apple will explore this possibility further.
Indonesia has been actively working to attract manufacturing investments to drive economic growth, while Apple aims to diversify its supply chains beyond China, where a significant portion of its devices are currently assembled. In response to disruptions caused by COVID-19 shutdowns in China, Apple has already started shifting some production to countries like Vietnam and India.
Cook emphasized the vast investment opportunities in Indonesia, stating that there are numerous promising areas for investment. He expressed confidence in the country and its potential for growth.
Apple's strategic move towards exploring manufacturing options in Indonesia aligns with its broader strategy of seeking alternatives to China. The company has been increasing its investments in countries like India and Vietnam, with an eye on expanding manufacturing and assembly operations in Southeast Asia.
During his visit to Indonesia, Cook also announced the establishment of the fourth Apple Developer Academy in the country, to be situated in Bali. This initiative builds on Apple's existing program launched in Jakarta in 2018 to train local app developers.
Indonesia's government has been leveraging its natural resources, such as nickel and bauxite, to attract manufacturing investments. By restricting the export of raw materials, the government aims to encourage companies to establish refineries within the country.
Additionally, it was revealed that Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella is scheduled to visit Indonesia at the end of April, indicating a growing interest from tech giants in the region.
