JAKARTA, RAKYAT NEWS – Apple has agreed to invest $160 million (around IDR 2.62 trillion) in Indonesia between 2025 and 2028, marking a significant expansion of its presence in the country.

The new investment, which exceeds an earlier proposal of $100 million rejected by Indonesia’s Ministry of Industry, will be allocated to three key areas: training programs, the construction of training facilities, and the establishment of a research facility. This investment is part of a broader plan to strengthen Apple’s manufacturing network in Indonesia.

The investment agreement, made public on February 26, 2025, also includes the development of Apple’s second research facility outside the United States. The new facility will be the first of its kind in Asia, as Apple currently operates only one such center in Brazil. This highlights Indonesia’s growing importance in Apple’s global operations and innovation strategy.

Agus Gumiwang Kartasasmita, Indonesia’s Minister of Industry, emphasized that the research facility would be a crucial addition to Apple’s global network, underscoring Indonesia’s role in the tech giant’s expansion. The research facility will complement Apple’s existing operations and help the company explore new innovations, further solidifying Indonesia’s position as a key player in Apple’s global supply chain.

In addition to the training and research components, Apple will also focus on expanding its production line for mesh fabric used in the AirPod Max. Apple plans to invest between $10 million and $15 million to ramp up the supply of this material, which will enhance the production capacity of AirPod Max units. This expansion is in line with Apple’s strategy to diversify its manufacturing processes and increase local production in Indonesia.