Indonesia is stepping up its push for local manufacturing, announcing plans to increase requirements for local components in smartphones made and sold in the country. Deputy Industry Minister Faisol Reza revealed on Tuesday that the government aims to boost the domestic manufacturing sector by raising the local content threshold.
Last month, Indonesia banned sales of Apple’s iPhone 16 after it failed to meet the existing requirement that at least 40% of a smartphone’s components be locally produced. Apple proposed a $100 million investment to build an accessory and component plant in an effort to reverse the ban. However, the government rejected the proposal, stating it did not meet the principle of fairness.
"We are still discussing the details," said Deputy Minister Reza, without providing a specific timeframe for the new requirements.
Tokyo Introduces Four-Day Workweek
In other news, the Tokyo Metropolitan Government plans to implement a four-day workweek starting in April next year. Governor Yuriko Koike emphasized the importance of flexible work styles, especially for women, to address labor shortages and improve working conditions.
"We will continue to review work styles flexibly to ensure that women do not have to sacrifice their careers due to life events such as childbirth or childrearing," Governor Koike stated during a policy speech on Tuesday.
China Launches New Satellites
China successfully launched a new group of satellites on Thursday from the Taiyuan Satellite Launch Center in Shanxi Province. The satellites, part of the third batch constituting the Spacesail Constellation, were sent into orbit aboard a modified Long March-6 carrier rocket. This mission marks the 550th flight of the Long March rocket series.
Leadership Change in Singapore
Singaporean Prime Minister Lawrence Wong has succeeded Lee Hsien Loong as the leader of the ruling People’s Action Party, completing the transition to the party’s fourth generation of leadership. Former Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong will remain on the party’s highest decision-making body as a member. Wong is set to lead the party into the next general election, which must be held by November 2025.
Reference(s):
Asia News Wrap: Indonesia wants more local parts in phones, and more
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