PBG & SLF Permits Surabaya – Legal Building Approvals Made Easy with The Bali Lawyer
If you are planning to build, renovate, or use a property for commercial or residential purposes in Surabaya, obtaining the right permits is not optional—it’s a legal requirement. Two of the most essential legal documents in Indonesia’s construction landscape are the PBG (Persetujuan Bangunan Gedung) and the SLF (Sertifikat Laik Fungsi). These permits confirm your building is legally approved for construction and fit for occupancy.
At The Bali Lawyer, although we are based in Bali, we provide nationwide legal services, including complete permit assistance for clients in Surabaya. We specialize in managing all stages of the PBG and SLF process so that your building project stays compliant, secure, and legally sound.
What Are PBG and SLF Permits?
1. PBG – Building Approval
PBG (Persetujuan Bangunan Gedung) is the official permit required before constructing, renovating, or changing the use of any building in Indonesia. This regulation replaced the previous IMB (Izin Mendirikan Bangunan) system as of 2021. Without a valid PBG, any construction in Surabaya is considered illegal, regardless of its size or function.
A PBG ensures your building design and purpose comply with:
Local zoning laws and spatial planning
Architectural and structural safety standards
Environmental, utility, and fire safety codes
Building accessibility and sanitation regulations
2. SLF – Building Worthiness Certificate
SLF (Sertifikat Laik Fungsi) is required after construction is complete. It confirms that your building is safe, fully functional, and ready to be occupied or used. Without an SLF, you may face issues such as utility service denial, inability to operate a business from the building, and legal obstacles when leasing, selling, or insuring your property.
Together, PBG and SLF are the two most important legal approvals for any construction project in Surabaya.
Who Needs PBG and SLF in Surabaya?
These permits are mandatory for:
New residential properties (houses, apartments, villas)
Commercial buildings (malls, offices, shops, restaurants)
Hotels, resorts, guesthouses
Warehouses, factories, and industrial facilities
Educational, religious, or government buildings
Renovation or expansion of existing structures
Change of building function (e.g., home to business)
Whether you are an individual property owner, a local developer, or a foreign investor, PBG and SLF are required to protect your investment and operate legally in Surabaya.
Why These Permits Are Crucial for Legal Compliance
Failing to secure either a PBG or SLF can result in:
Construction stop orders issued by Dinas Cipta Karya or Dinas PUPR
Demolition orders for unpermitted structures
Fines and administrative penalties
Denial of business licenses or NIB registrations
Rejection of SLF or inability to connect utilities
Legal disputes during leasing, sales, or property transfers
In a regulated city like Surabaya, local authorities are strict in enforcing these rules. Working without these permits can lead to long-term operational and financial setbacks.
Our Legal Services for PBG and SLF in Surabaya
The Bali Lawyer offers a complete, start-to-finish legal service that covers both PBG and SLF approvals. Our team handles the complex paperwork, technical requirements, and government interactions so you can focus on your project with confidence.
Step 1: Legal Assessment and Project Review
We begin with a full evaluation of:
Land ownership or lease status (SHM, HGB, HPL, etc.)
Type and purpose of the planned construction
Architectural and engineering designs
Regional zoning compatibility in Surabaya
Construction status and regulatory readiness
This helps us determine your legal position and any challenges before proceeding with the permit process.
Step 2: Document Preparation
For both PBG and SLF, the required documentation is extensive. We assist in gathering and preparing:
Land certificates and site plans
Architectural and structural drawings
Drainage, fire safety, and electrical systems reports
Environmental and spatial planning clearances
Accessibility compliance certificates
Utility and sanitation plans
Inspection and engineering reports
As-built construction reports for SLF applications
All documents must be signed by certified professionals and meet local regulations in Surabaya.
Step 3: Consultant and Expert Coordination
We work closely with registered consultants, including:
Architects and civil engineers
Structural and MEP engineers
Fire safety and utility system professionals
Zoning and spatial planning experts
Building inspectors certified by government authorities
These experts ensure your project is technically compliant and issue the necessary reports for approval.
Step 4: OSS RBA Submission
PBG and SLF permits must be submitted via the OSS RBA (Online Single Submission – Risk-Based Approach)platform. Our legal team handles:
Registration of your business or personal account
Uploading of complete documentation packages
Accurate online form completion
Monitoring of application status and feedback
Direct communication with Surabaya’s government departments
Resubmission of corrected or revised documents if needed
Mistakes on OSS RBA can delay or reject your application. We ensure everything is submitted correctly and on time.
Step 5: Government Review and Site Inspections
Once your submission is in, local officials will review your application and conduct on-site inspections. We:
Schedule and coordinate inspections
Brief your contractors or management team
Address any technical or zoning concerns
Represent you during communication with government officials
Follow up on approval status and feedback
For SLF, the inspection must confirm the building has been constructed in accordance with the approved PBG plans.
Step 6: Permit Issuance and Delivery
After successful review, we obtain and deliver your approved:
PBG Permit (for construction start)
SLF Certificate (for occupancy and use)
We also advise on further legal steps such as utility applications, business licensing, and building registration.
How Long Does the Process Take?
PBG: Average processing time is 30–60 working days, depending on complexity
SLF: Typically takes 20–40 working days after building completion
Additional time may be required for large or mixed-use projects
With our legal support, you minimize delays and ensure a smoother approval process.
Transitioning from IMB to PBG in Surabaya
If your property was built with an IMB, you may need to apply for a new PBG or update to SLF, especially if:
You are renovating or expanding
The function of the building has changed
The IMB is outdated or missing technical reports
You need SLF for utility connections or business licensing
We assist in reviewing your existing documents and advising whether a transition is needed.
Validity of SLF in Surabaya
Residential buildings: Valid for up to 20 years
Commercial or non-residential buildings: Valid for 5 years, with renewal required
Our team also helps with SLF renewals, changes in function, or compliance audits.
Why Choose The Bali Lawyer?
Even though our name is The Bali Lawyer, we serve clients across Indonesia, including Surabaya. Our firm combines local knowledge with national reach, offering:
Expert legal services for PBG and SLF
Access to licensed professionals and consultants in Surabaya
Accurate OSS RBA application management
Transparent and affordable pricing
Multilingual service for local and international clients
Fast response time and dedicated case handling
Our clients include individual property owners, developers, foreign investors, and business owners across residential and commercial sectors.
Our Simple 7-Step Permit Process
Consultation – We discuss your building plans and legal requirements.
Document Review – Our team checks land rights, drawings, and existing permits.
Consultant Coordination – We assign certified experts to prepare technical reports.
OSS RBA Submission – We file your application with full accuracy.
Site Inspection – We organize and manage on-site reviews by authorities.
Approval & Collection – We secure your permits and ensure legal issuance.
Follow-up Support – We assist with next steps: utilities, licensing, renewals, or disputes.
Build and Operate Legally in Surabaya
Don’t risk your construction project, investment, or business operations by neglecting the legal permit process. In Surabaya, having your PBG and SLF in place is non-negotiable. Whether you’re building from scratch or applying post-construction, our legal team is ready to guide you every step of the way.
Let The Bali Lawyer handle your permit process with confidence, speed, and legal accuracy—so you can focus on what truly matters: building success.