On Wednesday, Apple’s chief executive Tim Cook met with Indonesia’s president Joko Widodo, popularly known as Jokowi, at the presidential palace in Jakarta. The meeting focused on exploring potential investment opportunities in Southeast Asia’s largest economy and discussing ways to diversify Apple’s supply chains away from China. This visit comes at a time when the United States is actively seeking to reduce its dependence on China for tech supply chains and boost the roles of other Asian trade partners.

Expanding Apple’s Presence in Indonesia

During the meeting, Cook expressed Apple’s strong commitment to Indonesia, emphasizing the country’s importance as a market for the tech giant. He stated, “Indonesia is a very important market for us. We talked about the president’s desire to see manufacturing in the country, and it’s something that we will look at.” Cook further added, “I think the investment ability in Indonesia is endless. We believe in the country.”

As a testament to Apple’s growing interest in Indonesia, the company recently announced plans to expand its developer academies in the country. A new facility is set to open on the picturesque resort island of Bali, bringing the total number of Apple’s developer academies in Indonesia to four. These academies aim to nurture local talent and support the growth of Indonesia’s thriving tech ecosystem.

Tapping into Indonesia’s Young, Tech-Savvy Market

Indonesia presents a unique opportunity for Apple, with its young and tech-savvy population. The country boasts more than 100 million people under the age of 30, making it an attractive market for the tech industry. However, Apple faces fierce competition in the smartphone market, which is currently dominated by devices running Google’s Android operating system.

Despite the challenges, Cook remains optimistic about Apple’s potential in Indonesia. Upon his arrival on Tuesday, he immersed himself in the local culture, posting a picture of himself enjoying chicken satay, a beloved Indonesian dish. Cook expressed his eagerness to engage with more of Indonesia’s creative community and developers during his visit, highlighting the country’s rich talent pool.

Potential for New Apple Investments and Manufacturing

Minister of Communication and Informatics Budi Arie Setiadi hinted last month that Cook’s visit could involve discussions about new Apple investments in Indonesia, including the possibility of establishing a smartphone factory in the country. Setiadi stated, “There are all possibilities, we’ll see what the approach is, because there are a lot of Apple users in Indonesia,” as reported by local media.

The establishment of an Apple manufacturing facility in Indonesia would not only create jobs and boost the local economy but also align with the United States’ efforts to diversify its tech supply chains. By reducing dependence on China and investing in other Asian countries like Indonesia, Apple can mitigate potential risks and ensure a more resilient supply chain.

Challenges and Opportunities for Apple in Indonesia

Despite the immense potential, Apple faces some challenges in the Indonesian market. The company has yet to open an official store in the country, leaving consumers to rely on resale platforms to purchase its products. This lack of direct presence may have contributed to Apple’s limited market share compared to Android devices.

However, Cook’s visit and the discussions surrounding potential investments and manufacturing opportunities signal a shift in Apple’s strategy. By establishing a stronger presence in Indonesia through official stores, local manufacturing, and expanded developer academies, Apple can tap into the country’s growing consumer base and foster a thriving ecosystem for its products and services.

As the United States continues its efforts to reduce dependence on China for tech supply chains, Indonesia’s growing economy, young population, and increasing tech-savviness present a compelling opportunity for Apple to expand its presence in Southeast Asia. With Cook’s visit and the ongoing discussions, the future looks promising for Apple’s growth and investment in Indonesia, contributing to the country’s digital transformation and economic development.