RPTKA, or Rencana Penggunaan Tenaga Kerja Asing, is Indonesia’s mandatory Foreign Worker Utilization Plan issued by the Ministry of Manpower. If you plan to hire foreign employees in Indonesia, RPTKA is the legal foundation that approves your expatriate hiring plan and enables work visas such as VITAS and KITAS or ITAS. Without an approved RPTKA, foreign employment is not legally possible.
As an expert team at InvestinAsia, we regularly advise foreign investors and business owners on this requirement because RPTKA is not just an administrative formality. It is a central compliance instrument under Indonesian labor law.
The Purpose of RPTKA Under Indonesian Labor Policy
RPTKA exists to balance foreign expertise with local workforce protection. The regulation ensures that expatriates are hired only when specific skills are unavailable locally. It also mandates structured knowledge transfer to Indonesian employees through a designated local counterpart.
From a regulatory perspective, RPTKA aligns foreign employment with national economic priorities. Foreign workers are generally limited to managerial, expert, or technical roles that cannot be filled by Indonesian professionals. This principle is strictly reviewed during the feasibility assessment stage.
Also read: Working in Indonesia as a Foreigner: A Complete Guide
Types of RPTKA You Should Know
Not all RPTKA approvals are the same. The type depends on the nature and duration of employment.
Core Employment RPTKA applies to long-term or permanent roles and is usually valid for one to two years. In Special Economic Zones, validity can extend up to five years.
Temporary or Non-Core RPTKA covers short-term activities such as training, emergency work, or specific projects under three months. Certain positions, including members of the Board of Directors, may be exempt from standard requirements.
Other categories include investor, startup, or project-based RPTKA, each with sector-specific limitations and quotas.
RPTKA Requirements and Documentation
To obtain RPTKA, employers must submit comprehensive documentation through the Ministry of Manpower’s TKA Online System.
Company documents include a Business Identification Number, tax registration, deed of establishment, business licenses, domicile certificate, and manpower reporting proof. You must also provide an organizational structure and appoint an Indonesian counterpart.
Foreign worker documents include a valid passport, signed CV, educational certificates, proof of work experience, and recent photographs. Supporting documents explain why the foreign role is necessary and how skills will be transferred to local staff.
Also read: Work Culture in Indonesia: A Glimpse into the Work Ethic
RPTKA Application Process Step by Step
The following are the steps for submitting an RPTKA:
Register the Company in the TKA Online System
The employer creates a company account in the Ministry of Manpower’s TKA Online System using the Business Identification Number and uploads core corporate documents.
Complete the RPTKA Application Form
The company fills in detailed information, including the foreign worker’s position, job description, work location, employment duration, and justification for hiring an expatriate.
Upload Supporting Documents
Required documents include company licenses, foreign worker passport and CV, educational qualifications, and a formal plan for knowledge transfer to an Indonesian counterpart.
Submit the Application for Review
Once all data and documents are complete, the RPTKA application is submitted electronically for verification and assessment.
Undergo Feasibility Assessment
The Ministry of Manpower conducts a feasibility review (Hasil Penilaian Kelayakan) to evaluate job necessity, availability of local workers, and regulatory compliance.
Receive RPTKA Approval Notification
If the application passes the assessment, the employer receives official approval for the RPTKA through the system.
Pay the DKP-TKA Levy
The employer pays the mandatory compensation fund (DKP-TKA), calculated at approximately USD 100 per month per foreign worker.
Download RPTKA Approval and Notification
After payment, the employer downloads the Pengesahan RPTKA and Notification (formerly IMTA), which are automatically integrated with the immigration system.
Proceed with Visa and Stay Permit Processing
The approved RPTKA enables the next steps for obtaining the foreign worker’s work visa and stay permit through Indonesian Immigration.
Fees, Validity, and Ongoing Compliance
RPTKA service fees generally start around IDR 4 million, excluding government levies. Validity ranges from one to two years and is extendable with annual reporting obligations.
Employers must report foreign worker arrivals and departures and remain compliant with Government Regulation No. 34/2021. Non-compliance can result in fines, suspension, or revocation of approval.
RPTKA in the Context of Indonesian Employment Law
RPTKA does not stand alone. It operates within Indonesia’s broader labor law and employment regulation framework. Understanding employment contracts, worker protections, and termination rules is equally important. We recommend reviewing Indonesia Labour Law and Employment Regulations to gain a full legal picture.
For PT PMA companies, RPTKA is also closely linked to how you structure foreign hiring. Our guide on how PMA companies hire foreign employees in Indonesia explains this integration in detail.
Frequently Asked Questions About RPTKA
Is RPTKA mandatory for all foreign workers in Indonesia?
Yes. RPTKA approval is required before any foreign worker can obtain a work visa or stay permit.
How long does RPTKA approval take?
The process typically takes two to five weeks, depending on document completeness and assessment results.
Can RPTKA be extended?
Yes. RPTKA can be extended, subject to compliance and reporting requirements.
Is RPTKA the same as a work permit?
No. RPTKA is the approval plan. It is a prerequisite for immigration permits but not the visa itself.
Do investors need RPTKA?
Certain investor roles may qualify for exemptions, but this depends on position and structure.
