If you have ever asked an agent or a seller about a property’s building permit status and been told “PBG” instead of the familiar “IMB,” that is not a mistake. Indonesia’s building permit terminology genuinely changed. Many homeowners, especially those who built before the change took effect, are still unsure what the difference is, whether their old IMB is still valid, and how to obtain a PBG if they ever need one. This article covers the basics.
What PBG Is, and Why It Replaced IMB
PBG, short for Persetujuan Bangunan Gedung (Building Approval), is the permitting document that replaced the IMB (Izin Mendirikan Bangunan, or Building Construction Permit) following a reform of Indonesia’s building regulations in recent years. Conceptually, both serve the same purpose: proving that a building meets spatial planning and technical standards before it is constructed. But the approach behind them differs.
IMB leaned more toward administrative permitting: an owner submitted an application, and once the paperwork was deemed complete, the permit was issued. PBG places more weight on a deeper technical review of the building plan itself, covering structural safety, spatial planning, and building function, before construction is allowed to begin. In essence, the shift aims to make sure a building is genuinely sound and safe, not just administratively approved on paper.
The Core Difference Between PBG and IMB, and What Happens to Old IMBs
Beyond the process itself, there is another fundamental difference worth understanding. PBG is issued based on a technical review of the building plan carried out by the local technical agency, and for certain risk categories, it also involves a Tim Profesi Ahli (a panel of licensed technical experts), whereas IMB in the past relied more heavily on administrative document completeness.
If your home already has an IMB issued before this change took effect, the good news is that an existing IMB is generally still recognized and does not automatically become invalid. You generally do not need to rush out and obtain a new PBG for a building that is already standing and has not undergone a major renovation or change of function. A new PBG typically becomes necessary when you build something new, carry out a significant renovation, or change how a building is used. Because the technical requirements can vary from one region to another, it is worth confirming the status of your old IMB with the local Public Works and Spatial Planning Office (Dinas PUPR) or the one-stop licensing service (DPMPTSP).
Why PBG Matters When Selling, Buying, or Applying for a Mortgage
Building permit status is not just a formality. When you sell a property, a prospective buyer or the bank financing a mortgage will check the completeness of the building documents, including a valid PBG or an older still-valid IMB, as part of the appraisal and risk assessment. A building without clear permitting is often harder to finance and can weaken your negotiating position on price.
As a buyer, it is worth asking about and reviewing the building permit documents as early as the property viewing stage, rather than waiting until the mortgage process is underway. If the property still carries an old IMB, ask the seller whether the document is complete and matches the building’s current physical condition, especially if any extension was added that was never reflected in the permit.
In Banjarmasin and the surrounding area, quite a few older homes were built gradually by their owners without securing a permit from the start, or their existing permit no longer matches the building’s physical condition after several rounds of renovation. It is best to sort this out before listing a property for sale, since a careful buyer or the bank financing a mortgage will almost certainly ask about it, and leaving it until after negotiations begin only tends to slow the process down.
How to Apply for PBG Through SIMBG
PBG applications are now handled online through SIMBG (Sistem Informasi Manajemen Bangunan Gedung, the Building Management Information System) at simbg.pu.go.id, jointly managed by the Ministry of Public Works and local governments. In general, the steps involve:
- Creating an account and submitting an online application with your details and land data
- Uploading the building’s technical plan, which for a simple structure like a single-family home can generally be prepared more simply than for a high-risk or multi-story building
- Technical review of the documents and plan by the local technical agency, which for certain building categories also involves the Tim Profesi Ahli (expert review panel)
- Paying the applicable regional fee
- Issuance of the PBG once every stage is confirmed to meet requirements
For a low-risk residential home, the process in practice tends to be simpler than for a commercial or multi-story building, though it is still advisable to have the technical drawings prepared by someone qualified, such as an experienced architect or draftsperson.
You can handle the application yourself, particularly for a simple residential home, or use a consultant or architect who is already familiar with the system in your area. Using a professional usually speeds things up, since they better understand the technical document formats requested and the review habits of the local agency, though naturally that comes with an added service fee to factor in.
Costs and Timelines to Expect
PBG fees and processing times vary from one city or regency to another, since they are set through local regulations, so it is hard to quote a single number that applies everywhere, including Banjarmasin and Banjarbaru. As a general guide, cost is usually influenced by the building’s floor area, function, and risk classification. Areas with a more mature integrated licensing system generally process applications faster than areas still adjusting to the new system, so the experience can feel quite different from one city or regency to the next even within the same province. For an accurate figure and realistic timeline in your area, contact your local Dinas PUPR or DPMPTSP directly, or consult a technical drawing service that regularly handles PBG applications in your region.
SLF: The Step After Construction Is Complete
Once a building has been constructed according to the approved technical plan, the next step is obtaining an SLF (Sertifikat Laik Fungsi, or Certificate of Worthiness for Use), a document confirming that the building is genuinely safe and fit for its intended use. SLF essentially complements PBG: PBG is the approval granted before construction, while SLF is the confirmation issued after the building is complete and ready to be occupied.
For residential homes, the SLF process is generally simpler than for public or commercial buildings, but it is still worth having, especially if you plan to sell the property or seek financing against it later. SLF typically also needs to be renewed periodically under applicable rules, so it is worth keeping track of its validity period. Holding a valid SLF also tends to make a bank’s appraisal process smoother when you apply for a mortgage later, since the bank can see the building has already gone through an official inspection rather than simply standing without any sign-off.
Final Thoughts
The shift from IMB to PBG is ultimately meant to make building permits more about genuine technical soundness and safety, not just paperwork. For owners of older homes, an existing IMB generally remains valid, while PBG becomes relevant mainly for new construction, major renovations, or a change in building function. Because technical rules and fees differ by region, and this article is general education rather than legal advice, it is best to confirm the details of your situation with your local Dinas PUPR/DPMPTSP, a notary/PPAT involved in your transaction, or the Land Office (BPN) if it concerns the land title itself.
If you are buying or selling property in Banjarmasin or South Kalimantan and want to confirm the building permit status first, the Vorneo Property team is happy to help on WhatsApp at no charge.
