How to Check Company Details in Indonesia: A Complete Guide for Investors and Business Owners



Indonesia is one of Southeast Asia’s most dynamic economies, attracting investors and entrepreneurs from around the world. Whether you are planning to enter a business partnership, invest in a company, or simply verify the legitimacy of a potential supplier, it is essential to conduct thorough due diligence. Checking company details is a vital step that protects your investment, ensures compliance with Indonesian regulations, and gives you confidence that you are dealing with a legitimate entity.
At The Bali Lawyer, we specialize in supporting foreign investors and local business owners with clear, practical legal guidance. This guide will walk you through how to check company details in Indonesia effectively and lawfully.
Why You Should Verify Company Details in Indonesia
Verifying company information is not only about preventing fraud but also about understanding the legal standing, business activities, and compliance status of a company. Here are some of the main reasons why this process matters:
Avoiding Business Scams: Indonesia is generally safe for investment, but scams and dishonest operators exist in every country. Checking details helps you avoid costly mistakes.
Ensuring Regulatory Compliance: Many sectors require special licenses, approvals, and reporting. Knowing whether a company meets these obligations is critical.
Assessing Financial and Legal Standing: Verifying ownership structures, directors, and shareholders gives you transparency into who controls the business.
Building Trust: If you are entering a joint venture or long-term contract, demonstrating that you have conducted due diligence establishes trust with stakeholders and clients.
What Information Can Be Verified?
When you check company details in Indonesia, you can access a wide range of information, including:
Company Name and Legal Entity: Whether the business is registered as a PT (Perseroan Terbatas), PT PMA (foreign investment company), CV (Commanditaire Vennootschap), or another structure.
Company Registration Number: Known as Nomor Induk Berusaha (NIB), this unique number proves the company’s legal status.
Deed of Establishment: The official document that establishes the company and its articles of association.
Tax Identification Number: Nomor Pokok Wajib Pajak (NPWP) is necessary for all registered companies.
Shareholders and Directors: Details about who owns and manages the company.
Business Classification and Purpose: The KBLI (Indonesian Standard Business Classification) codes define permitted activities.
Licenses and Permits: Specific operational or sector licenses issued by relevant ministries or authorities.
Financial Filings: For larger companies or those regulated by the Financial Services Authority (OJK), some financial disclosures are available.
Compliance Records: Whether the company is in good standing, suspended, or blacklisted.
Official Sources for Company Verification
In Indonesia, several government portals and institutions maintain business records:
Ministry of Law and Human Rights (AHU Online): This portal provides access to the legal status of Indonesian companies, including establishment deeds and company amendments.
OSS (Online Single Submission) System: OSS issues business identification numbers and operational licenses. You can confirm NIB and relevant permits here.
Directorate General of Taxes: To verify the tax identification number.
BKPM (Indonesia Investment Coordinating Board): For information on PT PMA and foreign investment licenses.
OJK (Financial Services Authority): For regulated entities like banks, insurance, and listed companies.
While these resources are public, the process of accessing records may involve language barriers, document requests, and official fees.
Step-by-Step Guide to Checking Company Details
1. Confirm Basic Company Information
Begin by collecting the company’s name, registration number, and tax number. Always cross-reference these details to avoid confusion with similarly named entities.
2. Search the AHU Online Database
Visit the Ministry of Law and Human Rights website to check the deed of establishment, amendments, and current legal status. This database will show whether the company is active and compliant.
3. Verify NIB and Licenses in the OSS System
Search using the company’s NIB to confirm valid operational permits. The OSS system is the primary source for business licensing in Indonesia.
4. Check Tax Registration
Ensure the NPWP is active and matches the registered entity. A non-active tax number can signal non-compliance.
5. Confirm Shareholders and Directors
Review the deed of establishment or recent amendments to see who owns and controls the business.
6. Look for Sector-Specific Licenses
Depending on the industry, the company may require additional permits (e.g., tourism licenses, import/export licenses, or financial services registration).
7. Search Compliance Records
Check with relevant authorities to confirm the company is not blacklisted or involved in ongoing legal disputes.
Challenges Foreigners Face When Checking Company Details
Foreign investors often encounter these common obstacles:
Language Barrier: Most official records are in Bahasa Indonesia. Accurate translation is crucial to avoid misunderstandings.
Complex Regulations: The legal landscape in Indonesia involves overlapping regulations at central, provincial, and municipal levels.
Data Access Restrictions: Some information requires a notary or authorized consultant to request.
Verification Delays: Processing times can vary, causing frustration for time-sensitive investments.
Partnering with a professional legal service can help overcome these challenges efficiently.
The Role of Notaries and Legal Consultants
In Indonesia, a notary (Notaris) plays an essential role in authenticating documents, drafting agreements, and verifying company records. Working with a qualified legal consultant or lawyer ensures that your due diligence process is legally sound, accurate, and properly documented.
Our team at The Bali Lawyer offers comprehensive assistance with:
Official company record retrieval
Translation and interpretation of legal documents
Verification of tax and licensing compliance
Drafting of due diligence reports
Liaison with relevant government authorities
Preparation of contracts and agreements
When to Consider Professional Help
While you can complete some verification steps independently, professional help is recommended in these situations:
High-value investments or acquisitions
Complex ownership structures
Foreign direct investment through PT PMA
Business sectors with strict regulations
Disputes regarding ownership or management
Engaging a legal expert protects your interests and ensures that all checks comply with Indonesian law.
Important Tips for Effective Verification
Always Use Official Sources: Never rely solely on unofficial documents or verbal assurances.
Keep Written Records: Document all steps, including screenshots or printouts of records.
Stay Updated: Regulations and company statuses change. Re-verify information before signing agreements.
Ask Questions: If you see inconsistencies or unclear details, seek clarification before moving forward.
Why Choose The Bali Lawyer
As a trusted law service based in Bali, we have extensive experience guiding clients through Indonesia’s legal landscape. Our approach is clear, responsive, and results-focused. We combine legal expertise with a deep understanding of the local business environment to give you confidence in every decision.
Whether you are a small investor, a multinational corporation, or a private individual, we can tailor our support to meet your needs and protect your interests.