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FAQ

Questions we frequently receive.

12 most common questions — answered directly from field experience in Badung.

My building already stands without complete permits — can I still process an SLF?

Yes. Existing buildings can still obtain an SLF retroactively (PP 16/2021 Article 282 paragraph (3)). If there is no PBG/IMB yet, both PBG and SLF can be submitted simultaneously via SIMBG. As-built drawings, technical assessment, and submission to the agency are required. This is our core service.

My villa received a Pol PP Line. What should I do?

Cease activity as per the notice, then immediately complete your permits. Experience in Badung shows seals are removed once valid permits are presented — out of 35 businesses that received a Pol PP Line, 15 have resumed operations after completing their permits (Satpol PP Badung, 2025/2026). Send us a photo of the notice/seal for priority handling.

How much does the SLF service fee cost for a villa?

It depends on the area, function, and document completeness. Government SLF issuance retribution is generally Rp 0. The cost you pay is for the technical assessor & consultant fees. We provide a specific estimate after reviewing your building condition — initial consultation is free.

How long does it take for an SLF to be issued?

The SLF itself is issued within a maximum of 3 business days after the statement of technical standard compliance is uploaded (PP 16/2021 Article 276 paragraph (2)). If the building does not yet have a PBG, there is a prior PBG technical consultation phase via the TPA track — maximum 5 meetings within 28 business days (Article 254 paragraph (8)). A realistic total for existing buildings is generally several weeks to several months, depending on document completeness, required repairs, and agency schedule.

How long is an SLF valid? When should it be renewed?

Per PP 16/2021 Article 297: 20 years for residential houses, 5 years for other building types (including commercial villas, restaurants, hotels). Start the renewal process before the validity period expires — the law does not set a specific day limit, but periodic inspection and the SIMBG process take time. We assist with reassessment and SIMBG.

What is the difference between PBG and SLF?

PBG is the permit to construct or alter a building (issued at the start). SLF certifies that the building is fit for function and may be used (issued after the building is ready). Both are required for legal operation.

I am a foreign national / owner via PT PMA — can I apply for an SLF?

SLF/PBG is filed under the name of the land-right holder. Since foreign nationals cannot hold direct freehold title (SHM), applications are generally made through a PT PMA structure or an authorized party. We help explain the options that suit your ownership situation — starting with a free consultation.

I don't have as-built drawings / my old IMB is lost. Can the process still proceed?

Yes. We create as-built drawings from field measurements, signed by a licensed architect in accordance with Bali Governor Regulation No. 34/2023.

Is an SLF required for Airbnb/Booking listings?

To operate legally as accommodation, the property requires a tourism business permit based on a building fit-for-function certificate. The Ministry of Tourism will delist unlicensed accommodations from OTAs starting August 1, 2026 — completing SLF/PBG is part of this compliance.

What are the risks of leaving a building without an SLF?

Administrative sanctions (written warnings, restriction/cessation of use, up to demolition — PP 16/2021), difficulty using the property as bank collateral, insurance claim rejection, sale-purchase obstacles, and OTA delisting risk.

Do I need to demolish my building to legalize it?

The regulation does not make dismantling the starting point. Buildings declared not yet fit for function are directed toward recommendations (PP 16/2021 Pasal 299 ayat (2)): repairs and/or a PBG update — according to the inspection findings. As long as there is no serious violation (e.g. setback requirements) and the structure remains safe or can be strengthened, the route taken is functional suitability, not dismantling. If there are structural deficiencies, we recommend the most efficient strengthening measures.

Is the initial consultation really free?

Yes. The first consultation to check eligibility is free. If a permit cannot possibly be issued (e.g., restricted zone), we inform you upfront — before any financial commitment.

What is the difference between a Penilik and a Pengkaji Teknis? Who inspects my building?

They are two different roles, and who performs the inspection depends on your building's condition. A Penilik is a person assigned by the Central/Regional Government to inspect the administration of buildings (PP 16/2021 Pasal 1 point 34). A Pengkaji Teknis is an individual or business entity holding a competency certificate who conducts technical assessments of the functional suitability of buildings (Pasal 1 point 36). For EXISTING buildings, the regulation provides three inspection routes: an owner certified in technical assessment for buildings of simple complexity, an owner with an internal unit or personnel certified in technical assessment, OR a certified Pengkaji Teknis service provider (Pasal 282 paragraph (5)) — so using an external service provider is not the only route. Specifically for residential buildings, inspections may be conducted by the Tim Penilai Teknis/TPT (Pasal 282 paragraph (6)). For NEW buildings, the functional suitability statement is instead issued by the construction supervision/construction management service provider, or by the Penilik for certain small residential houses (Pasal 272 paragraphs (4)-(6)) — not by a Pengkaji Teknis.

Does the concrete in my building have to be dismantled for an SLF structural test?

The regulation does not make dismantling the starting point. A physical building inspection includes visual inspection, non-destructive testing, and/or destructive testing (PP 16/2021 Pasal 205 ayat (5)), and concrete quality is indicated using non-destructive testing methods (Pasal 220 ayat (3) letter d) — in JKK's practice, the hammer test is a non-destructive testing tool that we commonly use, and we document the results in a hammer test report that forms part of the technical assessment documents. (The term "hammer test" itself is a field-practice term — PP only identifies the category.) Its use does not damage the building. Destructive testing is framed as a method that <em>may</em> be added if necessary (Pasal 220 ayat (4) letter a). The extent of inspection required for your building depends on its actual condition — we explain this after the assessment, rather than promising it upfront.

What is SBKBG, and how does it relate to SLF?

SBKBG (Surat Bukti Kepemilikan Bangunan Gedung) is evidence of rights to building ownership status. What matters to you is this: SBKBG is only issued for buildings that already have an SLF (Permen PUPR 12/2024 Pasal 12 paragraph (1)), and its issuance is recorded in the building register through SIMBG (paragraph (2)). So SLF is the gateway — without SLF, there is no SBKBG.

After my SLF is issued, what are my obligations as an owner?

SLF is not the end point. The owner or user must carry out maintenance and upkeep so that the building remains fit for function (PP 16/2021 Pasal 296), and conduct periodic inspections according to the period set by the Technical Standards for each type of element — or at least once every 6 (six) months (Pasal 295 paragraph (5)). These periodic inspections also form the basis when your SLF is extended.

I renovated my villa after the SLF was issued — do I need a new permit?

It depends on the scale of the alterations. An amended PBG is required if there is a change in the building's function, number of storeys, floor area, facade, specifications/dimensions of components affecting safety or health, or structural reinforcement for moderate/severe damage (PP 16/2021 Pasal 262 paragraph (2)). Conversely, an amended PBG is not required for maintenance and upkeep work (paragraph (3)). Send us photos of your renovation plan — we will help determine which category it falls into before work begins.