Can foreigners own property in Indonesia?

Member since 02 March 2012

sheridinMember12 December 2013 14:03:56

I have asked around and I keep getting different answers, so i thought I'll ask here.

Can foreigners own property in their own name in Indonesia. I mean a foreigner who does not work in Indonesia or have any status. For example, I am able to buy property in Malaysia although I am Singaporean and not working or doing business in Malaysia.

I was thinking of buying a piece of land to build a house for myself in Bandung. Wonder it its possible.

Also, if anyone knows if social work carries any weight in Indonesia. I have done several clean water projects in Jawa. And several other projects to help the poor... these past two years. Someone mentioned to me yesterday that those things I have done may help me now. I don't know.

Any input appreciated.

Thanks in advance!!
Sheri

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Fred Indonesia Expert

Member since 02 August 2009

A smile is the universal welcome.
Max Eastman

FredIndonesia Expert12 December 2013 18:03:43

30171

No.
See sticky at top of Indo page.

Ubudian Indonesia Expert

Member since 28 January 2013

UbudianIndonesia Expert12 December 2013 21:43:28

3214

Hi Sheri,

I聮m surprised to hear that when asking around you get different answers to what is a very simple question聟can foreigners own land in their own name? The answer is no
under current law, (regardless of status or work), and it doesn聮t look as though that law will be changing anytime soon.

Your best option is for a long term lease with right of use and to build. Such leases can initially be for a 25 year period, extendable for another 25 year period. The next time you聮re in Bandung stop by and discuss this with a notaris. Many foreigners, both ASEAN and non ASEAN have such arrangements here in Indonesia and this seems to be adequate.

Regarding your volunteer social work, what kind of 聯help聰 do you think that will provide for you beyond the satisfaction you have in knowing that you have helped others? So, I don聮t know what kind of 聯weight聰 or influence you think your social work might carry, but that certainly doesn聮t provide a path to navigate around the laws and regulations here in Indonesia.

Good luck! Bandung is wonderful.

sheridin Member

Member since 02 March 2012

sheridinMember13 December 2013 01:32:34

Thank you very much. Yes, I heard of this right of use... but I wasnt sure if it was legit.

Anyone can help me with the contact of any good, honest notaris in Bandung?

Also, what are good places should I look at to live? I like Bandung because its cool and has an airport that connects directly to Singapore.

Any input welcomed Thank you so much.

Sheri

sheridin Member

Member since 02 March 2012

sheridinMember13 December 2013 01:39:53

@ mas fred

Yes... done, thanks

Ubudian Indonesia Expert

Member since 28 January 2013

UbudianIndonesia Expert13 December 2013 03:17:21

3214

Sheri, I suggest you start another posting thread: "Notaris Recommendations for Bandung Please"...and solicit suggestions on that thread. You might also start another thread soliciting suggestions on best areas in Bandung for living.

The type of lease you聮re looking for is called Hak Pakai and it is indeed a very legitimate and legal lease for use by foreigners. You can read more about these leases by a simple Google search under Hak Pakai. Just don聮t be mislead by statements like, 聯Foreigners can Use Hak Pakai to Purchase Property in Indonesia聰 as that is totally false in that you are not purchasing property, rather you are only purchasing a limited and time certain right of use of property.