Apple CEO hints at potential manufacturing expansion in Indonesia

Apple CEO Tim Cook expressed interest in exploring manufacturing opportunities in Indonesia during a meeting with Indonesian President Joko Widodo on Wednesday. Cook stated, “We talked about the president’s desire to see manufacturing in the country, and it’s something that we will look at.”

Indonesia has been actively seeking to attract manufacturing investments to boost economic development, while Apple aims to diversify its supply chains beyond China, where most of its devices are currently assembled. The company has already shifted some production to countries like Vietnam and India due to disruptions caused by COVID-19 shutdowns in China.

Cook emphasized the potential for investment in Indonesia, stating, “I think the investment ability in Indonesia is endless. I think that, there is a lot of great places to invest, and we’re investing. We believe in the country.”

This move comes after Cook’s meeting with Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh in Hanoi, where Apple announced plans to increase investments in Vietnam. Analysts suggest that Apple is seeking alternatives to manufacturing in China due to economic slowdowns and government policies favoring domestic brands.

In addition to discussing manufacturing opportunities, Cook announced the establishment of the fourth Apple Developer Academy in Indonesia, to be located in Bali. The company has already invested significantly in the country’s app developer ecosystem.

Indonesia’s government has been leveraging its natural resources, such as nickel, to attract manufacturing investments. Cook also met with Indonesia’s president-elect Prabowo Subianto during his visit, who is set to assume power in October.

Overall, Cook’s visit highlights Apple’s interest in expanding its manufacturing operations in Southeast Asia and its commitment to investing in Indonesia’s growing tech ecosystem.