Bali
PBG and SLF Permits in Bali: A Plain-Language Guide
by Samma Studio
March 12, 2026
If you are planning to build, renovate, or develop a property in Bali, you will likely come across two important terms: PBG and SLF.
PBG stands for Persetujuan Bangunan Gedung, while SLF stands for Sertifikat Laik Fungsi. They relate to different stages of a building's approval and use.
Understanding the difference early can help you make better decisions about your site, design, documentation, and construction timeline.
This guide explains PBG and SLF in simple terms, including when they may be required, how they relate to the design process, and what property owners should consider before construction begins.
PBG and SLF in Bali: The Short Answer
PBG relates to approval for the construction, modification, or maintenance of a building in accordance with applicable requirements.
SLF confirms that a completed building meets the applicable requirements for functionality and use.
PBG relates to approval for the construction, modification, or maintenance of a building in accordance with applicable requirements.
SLF confirms that a completed building meets the applicable requirements for functionality and use.
In simple terms:
- PBG: approval related to the building work
- SLF: confirmation that the completed building is suitable for use
They are not the same approval, and they should not be treated as two separate administrative tasks that only matter at the end of a project.
For a villa, residence, hotel, restaurant, or other building project, these requirements can influence design decisions from the early planning stages.
What Is PBG in Bali?
PBG, or Persetujuan Bangunan Gedung, is the approval associated with constructing, modifying, or maintaining a building in accordance with applicable building requirements.
It replaced the former IMB (Izin Mendirikan Bangunan) system.
For a new project, PBG is not simply a document to obtain after the architectural design is finished. The requirements can influence how the building is planned and documented.
Depending on the project, this can include considerations such as:
- Building location and setbacks
- Building height and massing
- Site coverage
- Building function
- Structural requirements
- Access and circulation
- Technical documentation
- Applicable zoning and spatial planning requirements
This is why regulatory considerations should be introduced early in the architectural process rather than treated as an administrative step just before construction.
For a broader look at the relationship between site selection, design, permits, construction, and budgeting, see our guide on how to build a villa in Bali.
What does PBG replace?
PBG replaced the previous IMB system.
If you come across older property information referring to an IMB, it is important to understand that IMB and PBG belong to different regulatory frameworks.
The appropriate process for an existing property can also depend on its history, documentation, building condition, function, and current requirements. It is therefore better to assess the specific property rather than assuming that an old IMB automatically answers every current approval requirement.
What Is SLF in Bali?
SLF, or Sertifikat Laik Fungsi, is a certificate relating to the functional suitability of a completed building.
In simple terms, it is concerned with whether the building can be used according to the applicable requirements.
The assessment can involve different aspects of the completed building, depending on its type and function, including its technical condition and compliance with relevant requirements.
This makes SLF different from PBG.
PBG is associated with the building process and approved requirements, while SLF is associated with the completed building and its suitability for use.
For this reason, SLF should be considered as part of the overall project from the beginning, even though it relates to a later stage.
PBG vs SLF: What Is the Difference?
The easiest way to understand the difference is to look at where each one sits in the project.
1. PBG
PBG relates to:
- What is being built or modified
- Where the building is located
- How the building is designed
- Whether the proposed work meets applicable requirements
- The technical documentation supporting the project
2. SLF
SLF relates to:
- The completed building
- Its technical and functional condition
- Whether it meets the applicable requirements for use
- The building's suitability for its intended function
So, while they are connected, PBG and SLF serve different purposes.
A useful way to think about the relationship is:
Planning and design → PBG → Construction → Completed building → SLF
The exact process and requirements can vary depending on the project, location, building function, and applicable regulations.
Do You Need PBG and SLF to Build in Bali?
For many building projects, PBG and SLF form important parts of Indonesia's building regulatory framework. However, the exact requirements and process depend on the specific project.
Factors that can affect the applicable requirements include:
- Location
- Building function
- Building size and complexity
- New construction or existing building
- Renovation or modification
- Applicable zoning and spatial planning requirements
For example, a private villa, hotel, restaurant, and larger commercial development may not have exactly the same requirements.
This is why it is risky to approach building approvals with a one-size-fits-all checklist.
1. What about villas?
For a new villa project, PBG and SLF should be considered alongside the architectural design, technical documentation, and construction planning.
The design team may need to consider regulatory requirements before the design is finalised because factors such as building placement, height, site coverage, access, and building function can affect what can be approved.
For a more detailed explanation of the architectural planning process, our guide on how to choose an architecture studio in Bali explains why local knowledge, technical documentation, consultant coordination, and site analysis matter when selecting a design partner.
2. What about an existing building?
Existing buildings require a slightly different approach.
A property may have been constructed under an older regulatory system, may have incomplete documentation, or may have changed in use or physical configuration over time.
In these cases, the appropriate pathway should be assessed based on the building's current condition, documentation, history, function, and applicable regulations.
Do not assume that an existing building automatically has the approvals required under today's system.
Why Should PBG Be Considered During Design?
One of the most common mistakes is to think about permits only after the design is complete.
In reality, regulatory requirements can influence the architecture itself.
For example, a project may need to reconsider:
- Where the building sits on the site
- How much of the site can be built on
- Building height
- Setbacks
- Access
- Building function
- Structural and technical requirements
Addressing these issues earlier gives the design team more room to respond.
It is generally easier to adjust a concept during the design stage than to redesign a completed project because an approval requirement was discovered too late.
This is also why a clear design brief can be useful at the beginning of a project. It helps the architect understand the intended use, priorities, budget, timeline, and site information before the design develops too far. See our guide on how to write a design brief for an architecture and interior design studio.
PBG Is Part of the Design Process
For property owners, it can be tempting to see PBG as paperwork handled separately from architecture.
In practice, the two are closely connected.
An architectural project may involve:
Site → Zoning → Design → Technical Documentation → PBG → Construction → SLF
Each stage can influence the next.
This does not mean that every regulatory detail needs to be solved before the first design idea is developed. It means the important constraints should be identified early enough to inform the design.
A coordinated approach between the client, architect, technical consultants, and relevant professionals can help reduce unnecessary revisions later in the project.
Important: Building approval requirements and procedures can change, and additional local or project-specific requirements may apply. The information in this article is intended as a general guide, not legal or regulatory advice. Always confirm the current requirements for your specific project with the relevant professionals and authorities.
How Does the PBG and SLF Process Work?
The exact process can vary depending on the building, location, function, and whether it is a new or existing building.
For a new project, however, the process generally involves several stages.
1. Check the Site and Applicable Requirements
Before developing the design, it is important to understand what can be built on the site.
This may include checking:
- Zoning and spatial planning
- Building function
- Site coverage
- Building height
- Setbacks
- Access and other site requirements
These factors can influence the design before any permit application is prepared.
2. Prepare the Design and Technical Documentation
Once the basic site requirements are understood, the architect and relevant technical consultants can develop the design and supporting documentation.
Depending on the project, this may include architectural, structural, and MEP documentation.
The documentation should reflect the project accurately and comply with the applicable technical requirements.
3. Submit the PBG Application
The required documentation is then submitted through the applicable government system and review process.
The application may be reviewed against relevant building and spatial planning requirements.
If revisions or additional information are required, these should be addressed before the process can move forward.
4. Construction
Once the required approval is in place, construction can proceed in accordance with the approved documentation and applicable requirements.
This is an important stage to monitor because substantial changes made during construction may affect the approved design and later certification.
5. SLF for the Completed Building
Once construction is complete, the building may need to go through the applicable process for obtaining an SLF.
The purpose is to establish that the completed building meets the requirements for its intended function and use.
The exact assessment and documentation requirements depend on the building and applicable regulations.
What Does Zoning Have to Do With PBG?
Zoning is an important part of the building process because it helps determine what can be developed on a particular site.
Before thinking about the design itself, you need to understand the site's planning and development restrictions.
Some of the terms you may encounter include:
1. RDTR
Rencana Detail Tata Ruang (RDTR) provides detailed spatial planning information for an area.
It can help determine how land in a particular location may be used and developed.
2. KDB
Koefisien Dasar Bangunan (KDB) relates to the maximum proportion of a site that can be covered by the building footprint.
For example, if a 500 sqm site has a 40% KDB, the maximum building footprint would be 200 sqm.
This does not necessarily mean that the total building floor area is limited to 200 sqm, as additional factors such as the number of floors and KLB may apply.
3. KLB
Koefisien Lantai Bangunan (KLB) relates to the permitted total floor area in relation to the size of the site.
Together with KDB, height restrictions, setbacks, and other requirements, these rules can significantly influence the design.
For a property owner, this means the size of the land alone does not tell you how much you can build.
What If the Building Already Exists Without PBG?
This situation requires more careful assessment.
Some existing buildings may have been constructed under the previous IMB system, while others may have incomplete or different documentation.
An existing building without current documentation does not necessarily follow exactly the same process as a new building.
The appropriate pathway can depend on factors such as:
- When the building was constructed
- Whether an IMB or other documentation exists
- Current building condition
- Current building function
- Previous alterations
- Applicable zoning and spatial planning
- Current regulatory requirements
For this reason, it is better to assess the property and its documentation before assuming that a new PBG application is the only solution.
The current government licensing system also provides procedures for certain existing buildings, so older online guides should not be followed without checking whether the information is still current.
What About a Villa That Is Being Renovated?
Not every renovation has the same approval requirements.
A small interior change may be very different from an extension, structural modification, change of building function, or major alteration to the building.
Before starting substantial renovation work, it is worth checking whether the proposed changes affect the building's approved documentation or require additional approval.
This is particularly important when changes involve:
- Building extensions
- Structural elements
- Changes to the building footprint
- Changes in building function
- Major changes to the façade or external structure
- Additional floors or significant massing changes
The earlier these questions are addressed, the easier it is to incorporate them into the design.
How Long Does the PBG Process Take?
There is no single timeline that applies to every PBG application.
Processing time can depend on the location, type and complexity of the building, completeness of the documentation, and whether revisions or additional information are required during the review.
For this reason, PBG should be included in the overall project schedule from the beginning.
It is better to allow time for preparation and review than to treat the approval as a fixed number of days that applies to every project.
How Much Does PBG Cost?
PBG costs are not necessarily the same for every project.
The amount can depend on factors such as the building's size, function, location, and applicable requirements.
There may also be separate professional costs associated with architectural and technical documentation, consultant coordination, and other services required for the project.
Rather than treating PBG as one fixed fee, it is more useful to consider it as one part of the overall development budget.
What Happens If You Build Without the Required Approvals?
Building without the required approvals can create problems beyond the construction stage.
Depending on the circumstances, potential issues may include:
- Difficulties obtaining the required certification
- Problems when changing or expanding the building
- Complications when selling or transferring the property
- Additional costs to correct non-compliant work
- Potential enforcement action
The specific consequences depend on the project and the applicable regulations.
The simplest way to reduce these risks is to understand the requirements before construction begins and keep the built project aligned with the approved documentation.
Why Is Zoning Important Before You Buy or Develop Land?
Zoning should ideally be checked before making major commitments to a site.
A piece of land may appear suitable for a villa, hotel, restaurant, or other development, but its location and planning restrictions may limit what can actually be built.
This is why site assessment is an important first step in the architectural process.
A good design does not begin with the question:
"What building do I want to build?"
It begins with:
"What can this site support, and how can the design make the best use of it?"
Understanding this early can help prevent costly changes later.
Practical Tips for Property Owners
A few practical considerations can make the permit process easier to manage.
1. Start Early
PBG should be considered before construction begins, not after the design is already finalised.
Allow enough time for documentation, review, revisions, and coordination as part of the overall project schedule.
2. Submit Complete Documentation
Incomplete or inconsistent documentation can create unnecessary delays.
Your architectural and technical drawings should accurately represent the proposed project and be coordinated with the relevant consultants.
3. Keep Construction Consistent With the Approved Design
Once construction begins, avoid making significant changes without first understanding how they may affect the approved documentation and the eventual SLF process.
A change that seems minor from a design perspective can sometimes have wider technical or regulatory implications.
4. Work With Professionals Who Understand the Current System
Indonesia's building and licensing requirements have evolved significantly since the former IMB system.
The wider licensing framework has also continued to change, so permit advice should be based on current requirements rather than older information.
For a project in Bali, this may involve coordination between an architect, structural and MEP consultants, notary or legal professionals, and other specialists depending on the project.
4. Keep Land and Building Matters Separate
Your rights to the land and your approval to construct or use a building are related, but they are not the same thing.
Before committing to a property, it is worth checking both the legal position of the land and the development potential of the site.
This is particularly important when buying or leasing an existing property where the building, land documentation, and current use may not tell the whole story.
When Should You Involve an Architect?
Ideally, an architect should be involved before detailed design begins and, where possible, before you commit to a site.
This does not mean an architect needs to make every decision for you.
Their role can include helping you understand:
- What the site may allow
- How zoning can affect the design
- How much of the site can realistically be developed
- What documentation will be required
- How the building should respond to its context
- How design decisions may affect construction
For property owners who are still at the early planning stage, this can help avoid developing a concept that later needs major changes.
The relationship between regulations and design is particularly important in Bali, where site conditions, local context, zoning, and building requirements can all influence the final architecture.
What Happens If You Build Without the Required Approvals?
The consequences depend on the circumstances of the project, but building without the required approvals can create several risks.
1. Operational Risk
For hospitality and commercial properties, building and operating requirements can be closely connected.
Missing documentation can create problems when the property needs to meet requirements for its intended operation.
2. Resale and Investment Risk
Incomplete building documentation can also make a property more difficult to assess during a sale, refinancing, or future development.
3. Enforcement Risk
Where a building does not comply with applicable requirements, the owner may face enforcement or be required to address the non-compliance.
4. Problems Later in the Process
Trying to resolve approval issues after construction can be more complicated than addressing them during the design stage.
This is especially relevant when the completed building differs significantly from the documentation that was originally approved.
For this reason, permitting should be treated as part of project planning rather than something to solve only after construction.
PBG, SLF and the Wider Building Process
It is useful to see PBG and SLF as part of a larger process rather than isolated permits.
A typical project may look something like this:
Site assessment → Zoning → Design → Technical documentation → PBG → Construction → Completion → SLF
The exact process varies depending on the project, its location, building function, and applicable requirements.
This is also why decisions made at the beginning of a project can have consequences much later.
For example, choosing a site without checking its zoning may limit the design. Changing the building function may affect the applicable requirements. Making substantial design changes during construction may create additional work before the building can be approved for use.
A good project process keeps these relationships in view from the beginning.
Where Samma Studio Fits In
At Samma Studio, we treat permitting as part of the architectural process rather than something separate from design.
For projects we design, we prepare and coordinate the architectural documentation required for the PBG process and work alongside the relevant consultants and professionals involved in the project.
Our role is not to treat PBG as a standalone administrative service. Instead, we consider regulations, site conditions, building requirements, and design together from the early stages of the project.
This approach helps ensure that the architecture being developed is not only aligned with the client's vision, but also informed by the practical requirements of building in Bali.
Final Thoughts
PBG and SLF can seem complicated when you first encounter the terminology, but the basic distinction is straightforward.
PBG relates to the approval of building work, while SLF relates to the suitability of the completed building for use.
The most important point for property owners is not to treat either one as an afterthought.
Zoning, site conditions, building function, design, technical documentation, construction, and approvals are connected. Considering them together from the beginning can help reduce unnecessary changes and make the overall project easier to manage.
If you are still at the early planning stage, starting with a clear understanding of your site, project goals, budget, and applicable requirements is often the most useful first step.
PBG and SLF permits in Bali - FAQs
- Is PBG the same as IMB?
No.
PBG replaced the former IMB system. If you find older information referring to IMB when researching a property or building project in Bali, check when the information was published and whether it still applies to the current situation. - Is SLF the same as a building permit?
No.
PBG and SLF have different purposes. PBG relates to the approval of building work, while SLF relates to the functional suitability of the completed building. - Do I need PBG before building a villa in Bali?
For a new villa project, PBG is an important part of the building approval framework and should be addressed before construction begins.
The exact requirements and process depend on the location, building function, project characteristics, and applicable regulations. - Do existing buildings need PBG or SLF?
An existing building may have a different approval pathway depending on when it was built, what documentation exists, its current condition and function, and the regulations that apply to it.
This is why an existing property should be assessed individually rather than assuming that the same process applies to a new building. - How long does PBG take in Bali?
There is no single processing time that applies to every project.
The timeline can vary depending on the location, complexity of the building, completeness of the documentation, and the review process involved.
It is better to include the permit process in the overall project schedule rather than assuming approval will happen within a fixed number of days. - How much does PBG cost in Bali?
There is no single PBG cost that applies to every building project.
The applicable costs can depend on factors such as the building, location, size, function, and requirements of the project.
For this reason, PBG and related professional costs should be considered as part of the overall project budget rather than treated as a fixed standard fee.
For a broader look at the different costs involved in developing a property in Bali, see our guide to construction costs in Bali in 2026.
