Building permits: PBG and SLF
Before you build you need a zoning approval and a building approval (PBG), and before anyone moves in or rents the building you need a certificate of fitness (SLF).
- The PBG (Persetujuan Bangunan Gedung) replaced the old IMB building permit under Government Regulation 16 of 2021. It covers new buildings and changes, extensions and maintenance of existing ones (DDTCNews, 2023).
- IMBs issued before 2021 stay valid for the original building (Emerhub). Any new work needs a PBG.
- First you need a zoning approval (KKPR) confirming that the use matches the spatial plan. The PBG comes after it (Emerhub).
- Applications go through the government SIMBG portal. They need proof of land rights, drawings signed by a certified architect and engineer, an environmental document (SPPL or UKL-UPL, by project size) and Indonesian translations of foreign documents (Emerhub).
- For a foreign-owned project, Emerhub says the applicant is normally a PT PMA holding HGB title, with its deed, NIB and NPWP. It says a lease alone is not enough.
- The legal deadline is 28 working days from a complete file. Emerhub puts the real time at 6 to 8 weeks once drawings and the KKPR are included.
- The PBG fee (retribusi) is set by each regional government. It is worked out from the floor area, use and complexity of the building and a local price index (DDTCNews, 2023). Ask the regency office for its current rates.
- The SLF certifies the finished building and cannot be issued without a PBG. You need it before the building can be lawfully occupied or rented (Emerhub).
- A PT PMA usually needs at least IDR 2.5 billion of paid-up capital. Investment Minister Regulation 5 of 2025 also sets an investment of more than IDR 10 billion per business code per location, excluding land and buildings (XPND, 2026).
Sources: news.ddtc.co.id, emerhub.com, emerhub.com, xpnd.co.id
Checked 2026-11-08. Not legal or financial advice.
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