Traditional Buildings & Cultural Heritage: PBG/SLF Status
Traditional buildings are exempt from the requirement of a STRA-certified architect, but PBG processing must still be handled by a licensed architect. Cultural heritage has its own protocols.
Frequently asked questions
In Bali, buildings such as temples (pura), bale banjar, and traditional residences in desa adat raise a natural question: are they all required to obtain a PBG and SLF through SIMBG like commercial buildings? The answer requires separating two aspects: who is permitted to design, and how the licensing process works.
Regulations provide special treatment for traditional buildings, but this does not mean they are unregulated. There is a clear framework, especially when traditional buildings are formally submitted for permits in the future to meet specific requirements.
Traditional buildings and architect exemptions
UU 6/2017 on Architects Pasal 6 paragraph (2) exempts the obligation to hold a STRA for individuals who design simple buildings and traditional buildings. PP 15/2021 Pasal 34 paragraphs (3) and (5) confirms that the design of traditional buildings is not mandatory to be done by an architect, and their implementation follows the provisions applicable within traditional communities.
However, there is an important boundary. PP 15/2021 Pasal 34 paragraph (6) mandates that although the design follows traditional wisdom, the PBG application process must still be carried out by an architect who holds a Lisensi. Therefore, when traditional buildings are formally submitted for permits, for example for collateral, insurance, or tourism function expansion, the licensing path must still go through a licensed architect.
Cultural heritage building protocols
For preserved cultural heritage buildings (BGCB), PP 16/2021 regulates specifically in Pasal 80 to Pasal 102. The fundamental principle, according to Pasal 85 paragraph (3), is to make as few changes as possible, maintain authenticity as much as possible, and act with utmost caution.
Actions such as restoration are regulated under Pasal 89 paragraph (7), which entails accurately restoring the building's condition to its original state. The preservation of BGCB must not be carried out by unauthorized parties. Pasal 85 paragraph (4) mandates the involvement of preservation experts, including preservation architects, archaeologists, building material conservation experts, and spatial planners in the preservation process.
Why this is relevant for property owners
Tourism areas in Bali often border directly on sensitive zones, such as the sacred areas of ancient temples (pura) or historic royal palaces (puri). Understanding the legal status of traditional buildings and cultural heritage helps prevent spatial planning disputes that could freeze projects.
For owners whose buildings intersect with these categories, the safest step is to map out the status from the beginning: whether it is classified as a traditional building, cultural heritage, or a regular building adjacent to a sensitive zone. Only then can the correct licensing path and appropriate experts be determined. The role of the consultant here is to interpret the legal position, not to replace customary processes or preservation protocols.
Secure consultation
Check the building's position before making a decision
Start with the document status you know: location, building function, PBG/IMB/SLF if any, and current usage conditions. Sensitive data only needs to be discussed after the document requirements are clear.