The core requirements to establish a PT PMA in Jakarta and Bali are identical, as both regions follow Indonesia’s national investment regulations under the BKPM and OSS RBA framework. The real difference lies in strategic positioning, sector suitability, operational costs, and investor advantages.
This guide outlines the complete comparison from the perspective of the InvestinAsia team, leveraging our hands-on experience guiding foreign investors across both regions.
PT PMA Requirements: Jakarta vs Bali Explained Clearly
The requirements for establishing a PT PMA in Jakarta and Bali are the same nationwide, governed by BKPM regulations and processed through the OSS RBA system. Both locations require the same minimum paid-up capital, governance structure, investment plan, and compliance obligations. The real comparison is in strategic benefits, industry fit, operating costs, and investor mobility.
Capital Requirements (Identical Nationwide)
Indonesia’s latest BKPM regulation sets the minimum investment plan above IDR 10 billion, which must be realized within three years.
This rule applies the same in Jakarta and Bali, with no regional variation. The structure is consistent: shareholders contribute IDR 2.5 billion in cash while the remaining IDR 7.5 billion may include machinery, vehicles, or operational assets.
Corporate Structure Requirements
Both regions require standard PT PMA composition:
- Two shareholders
- One director
- One commissioner
This governance structure follows MoLHR regulations and does not change based on location.
Also read; Does a PT PMA Company Need Indonesian Shareholders and Employees?
Registration and Licensing Process
The PT PMA registration workflow is unified nationwide through the OSS RBA system:
- Company name reservation
- Notarial deed execution
- MoLHR approval
- OSS issuance of NIB
- NPWP and local NPWPD registration
Foreign investors experience nearly identical processing timelines in both Jakarta and Bali, typically ranging from one to six weeks depending on offshore or onshore filing.
Also read; How to Set Up PMA Company in Indonesia: Guide for Foreigner
Key Differences: Jakarta vs Bali
Jakarta Strengths
Jakarta remains Indonesia’s economic and administrative center. Its advantages include:
- Access to the country’s largest talent pool
- Faster interactions with ministries and BKPM
- Ideal for professional services, manufacturing, logistics, and finance
- Strong supplier and infrastructure networks
Bali Strengths
Bali attracts investors seeking a lifestyle-friendly environment and strong tourism ecosystem. Advantages include:
- Lower operational costs
- Strong demand in tourism, F&B, hospitality, wellness, and creative sectors
- High availability of service-sector KBLI options
- Eligibility for Investor KITAS with full IDR 10 billion investment plan
- Supportive expatriate and business community
Sector Restrictions (Same Nationwide)
The Negative Investment List applies equally across Jakarta and Bali.
Foreign investors must follow ownership caps for specific sectors such as restaurants, spas, and travel agencies. Completely restricted sectors like gambling, marijuana cultivation, and wildlife trading remain prohibited regardless of region.
Also read; What Fields Can a PMA Company Operate in Indonesia?
Business Address Requirements
Jakarta and Bali both allow virtual office usage for low-risk service-sector KBLI classifications.
However, physical locations are mandatory for high-risk businesses such as restaurants, clinics, manufacturing, and facilities with customer-facing operations.
Tax, Reporting, and Compliance
Compliance obligations are uniform across all PT PMA locations:
- Monthly and annual tax filing
- LKPM submission
- BPJS registration
- Minimum investment realization requirement
Investors must meet these requirements regardless of whether they incorporate in Jakarta or Bali.
Also read: PT PMA (Foreign Company) Taxation in Indonesia: Complete Guide
Investor KITAS Eligibility
Investor KITAS is available in both Jakarta and Bali but requires the full IDR 10 billion investment plan, not just the reduced paid-up capital.
This visa is ideal for long-term investors operating in either region.
Which Location Should You Choose
Choose Jakarta if you need access to financial services, a large talent market, or industry-wide supplier networks.
Choose Bali if your business aligns with tourism, hospitality, F&B, wellness, or if you prefer lower overhead costs and a lifestyle-driven environment.
Both regions offer strong investment potential, but your ideal choice depends on operational strategy and sector requirements.
Summary Table of Differences between PT PMA in Jakarta and Bali
| Category | Jakarta | Bali |
|---|---|---|
| Access to Government Offices | Direct access to ministries and BKPM headquarters, faster coordination | Relies on regional offices, support often handled remotely |
| Talent Availability | Larger pool of professionals, consultants, and skilled foreign workers | Smaller pool, more concentrated in hospitality and creative sectors |
| Operational Costs | Higher office rent, utilities, and labor costs | Lower operating costs overall |
| Sector Suitability | Best for finance, manufacturing, professional services, logistics, corporate sectors | Best for tourism, F&B, wellness, hospitality, villa management |
| Business Ecosystem | Strong corporate infrastructure and supply-chain networks | Strong international community with entrepreneurial, lifestyle-business focus |
| Foreign Community Support | Large but spread across business districts | Highly active expat ecosystem, easier networking for new investors |
| Virtual Office Landscape | Wide availability for low-risk KBLI, concentrated in CBD areas | Available for many service-sector KBLI, often used by digital and consultancy businesses |
| Common Address Types | Professional commercial offices in CBD; physical space mandatory for high-risk sectors | Mix of commercial offices, serviced offices, and sometimes villa-based addresses for IT or online services |
| Industry Oversight Intensity | More centralized oversight due to proximity to ministries and regulators | Regional oversight; approvals may depend on local interpretations |
| Best For | Investors needing access to regulators, corporate services, or diverse suppliers | Investors targeting hospitality, wellness, and service-driven sectors; lifestyle-driven entrepreneurs |
Selecting between Jakarta and Bali often requires deeper understanding of regulatory nuances, sector-based permissions, address zoning, tax compliance, and investor visa implications.
For investors evaluating service providers, we recommend reviewing our guide:
Why Foreign Investors Choose InvestinAsia for PT PMA Registration
This resource explains our approach, regulatory accuracy standards, and case-backed expertise.
Secure Your PT PMA Setup with an Expert Team
If you want a compliant and hassle-free PT PMA establishment, our team at InvestinAsia provides full incorporation, licensing, and investment compliance support across Jakarta and Bali.
Learn more or start your PT PMA setup here: InvestinAsia’s PT PMA Registration Services
If you are interested in starting a business in Indonesia, you can start by contacting us for FREE consultation.
FAQs
Are PT PMA requirements different in Jakarta and Bali
No. The requirements are governed at the national level and are the same for both regions.
Which city is better for PT PMA setup
Jakarta is better for corporate and financial sectors. Bali is ideal for tourism, hospitality, and lifestyle-driven businesses.
Is the minimum capital requirement the same everywhere
Yes. IDR 2.5 billion paid-up capital applies nationwide.
Do foreign ownership restrictions vary by province
No. They follow the national Negative Investment List.
Does choosing Jakarta or Bali affect Investor KITAS eligibility
No. Investor KITAS requires full IDR 10 billion investment plan, regardless of location.
