Cell Phones Must Be Assembled Locally, Says Govt

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The government plans to oblige cell phone makers to assemble their products in the country as of the end of 2015 as it is tightening regulations in cell phone import. The government will enforce the policy using the Trade Ministry Regulation No. 82 on Cell Phone Import Stipulations.

“The government orders all distributors to assemble their products in Indonesia by the end of 2015,” Ignatius Warsito, the director of telematics and informatics industry of the Industry Ministry, said on Wednesday, January 21, 2015.

The government will also apply the regulation to all holders of cell phone brands. The assembly can be done by constructing their own companies in Indonesia or through cooperation with local companies.

Warsito said there had been 10-15 local companies that were committed to cell phone assembly, while Samsung and Oppo sought to build their factories in Indonesia in the near future. Lenovo and Huawei, meanwhile, were intent on establishing joint ventures with local companies.

“If they don’t assemble their products in Indonesia, we will revoke their permits,” Warsito said.

The cell phone producer community has said they will abide by the policy. “Of course, we will conform to the regulation,” PT LG Electronic Indonesia marketing director Eric Setiadi said after meeting with Industry Minister Saleh Husin on Wednesday, January 21, 2015. 

AMIRULLAH