In Indonesia, the process of obtaining legal approval for building construction has undergone significant changes. Previously, building owners were required to obtain a Building Permit (IMB). However, with the introduction of Law No. 11 of 2020 on Job Creation and Government Regulation No. 16 of 2021, the Building Approval Permit (PBG) has replaced the IMB. This article aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of the PBG, its differences from the IMB, and the procedure for obtaining this new permit.

What is PBG?

The Building Approval Permit (PBG), known in Indonesian as Persetujuan Bangunan Gedung, is a licence granted to building owners. This permit allows them to construct new buildings, extend, reduce, or maintain existing buildings in accordance with technical building standards. The primary objective of the PBG is to ensure that all constructions meet safety, comfort, health, and convenience standards for users.

According to the official SIMBG website, the PBG serves several key functions:

• Ensuring the legal status of building construction.
• Ensuring that the construction of buildings meets standards guaranteeing safety, comfort, health, and convenience for users.
• Recording information related to the building plan.

Differences Between PBG and IMB

The transition from IMB to PBG marks several notable changes in the regulatory framework:

1. Purpose
    
   • The IMB was a prerequisite to be fulfilled before or at the start of construction, requiring the building owner to submit technical details of the building when applying for the permit.
    
   • In contrast, the PBG governs the construction process, allowing owners to apply for the permit during or after construction has begun.
 
2. Stages and Application
    
   • The IMB had to be applied for before starting construction, with the owner needing to report the building’s function during the application stage.
    
   • The PBG can be processed during or after construction, with the requirement that the building's function is reported and aligned with applicable spatial planning.
 
3. Requirements and Sanctions
    
   • The IMB had administrative and technical requirements that building owners had to meet, without sanctions for failing to report changes in function.
    
   • The PBG requires building planning to comply with layout, reliability, and prototype design standards. Failure to report changes in function can result in sanctions.
 
4. Validity Period
    
   • The IMB remains valid if obtained before the enforcement of Government Regulation No. 16 of 2021. The PBG is valid according to the new regulations.
    
   • Unlike the IMB, which limited the permit to a single building function, the PBG allows buildings to have mixed functions.

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How to Apply for PBG

The application process for the PBG involves several steps and the submission of specific documents. Here’s a detailed guide on how to obtain a PBG:

PBG Application Requirements

To apply for a PBG, several documents must be submitted, including:

• Architectural Plan Documents: This includes data of architectural planning service providers, design concepts, floor plans, and other related plans.
• Utility Plan Documents: This involves the calculation of clean water, electricity, waste, and fire protection system needs, along with drawings of sanitation systems and other related designs.
• Structural Plan Documents: These include drawings of lower, upper, and basement structures, along with structural plan calculations that include soil     investigation data (for buildings over two floors).
• Technical Specifications Documents: A comprehensive description of the type, characteristics, and quality of materials used.

PBG Application Procedure

Once the required documents are prepared, the following steps should be followed to apply for a PBG:

1. Registration: Create a new account and confirm the email.
2. Login: Log in to the SIMBG website if you already have an account and complete the applicant’s personal data.
3. Form Submission: Fill in the relevant forms and save the data.
4. Online Application: Start the PBG application process online through the website simbg.pu.go.id.
5. Document Upload: Upload technical and administrative documents and monitor the SIMBG account for notifications regarding document completeness.
6. Consultation: Attend consultations with the Professional Expert Team (TPA) in Architecture, Structure, and MEP if the documents are verified as complete.
7. Document Revision: Revise documents according to the TPA consultation.
8. Local Retribution Fee: Determine the local retribution fee and issue the Regional Retribution Determination Letter (SKRD) by DPMPTSP.
9. Payment: Pay the local retribution fee as determined.
10. Compliance Statement: Issue the Statement of Compliance with Building Technical Standards (Rekomtek).
11. Permit Issuance: The PBG is issued by DPMPTSP after the completion of all processes.

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Conclusion

The introduction of the Building Approval Permit (PBG) marks a significant shift in the regulatory framework governing building construction in Indonesia. This new system aims to streamline the approval process and ensure that all buildings meet stringent safety and technical standards. By understanding the differences between the PBG and the former IMB, building owners can better navigate the legal requirements and ensure their constructions are compliant with current regulations.

For further information and assistance with the PBG application process, building owners are encouraged to visit the official SIMBG website and consult with professional experts.

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