Top 7 Reasons You Can’t Skip a Notary for PT PMA Registration in Bali and Lombok

Introduction: Legal Setup Starts with the Right Team 

As Bali and Lombok continue attracting foreign investors, the number of foreign-owned businesses—especially PT PMAs—has grown rapidly. From boutique resorts to eco-tourism ventures and digital service agencies, international entrepreneurs are eager to tap into the region's potential.

However, in the excitement of launching a new venture, many investors overlook one crucial pillar: a trusted notary for PT PMA registration.

Unlike casual agreements or informal setups in some countries, Indonesian law requires strict adherence to legalized documentation, verified through a certified notary. A notary isn't just a signature witness—they are legal officers appointed by the government to draft, validate, and formalize key corporate documents.

Failing to use a notary for PT PMA registration doesn’t just slow your process—it can invalidate your company formation entirely. And with compliance requirements becoming more strictly enforced through OSS and Kemenkumham systems, cutting corners is no longer an option.

This article will break down why a notary matters, which documents they handle, and how they protect your business from legal and financial risk.

What Is a Notary’s Role in Indonesia’s Legal System?

In Indonesia, a notary—Notaris—is a licensed legal professional authorized by the government to draw up and certify authentic deeds. Their role is essential in ensuring that legal documents are valid, binding, and enforceable. When it comes to corporate and property transactions, especially involving foreign ownership, their role becomes even more critical.

In addition to general notaries, Indonesia also recognizes a specialized category: PPAT (Pejabat Pembuat Akta Tanah), or Land Deed Officials. While all PPATs are notaries, not all notaries are PPATs. A PPAT is specifically authorized to handle documents related to land and property, such as sale and purchase agreements, leases, and land certificate transfers.

When setting up a PT PMA (foreign-owned company), the services of a notary for PT PMA registration are legally required. Only a registered notary can draft and authenticate the Akta Pendirian (Deed of Establishment)—the foundational document needed to register your business with the Ministry of Law and Human Rights (Kemenkumham). This document must include your company’s Articles of Association, founders’ details, capital structure, and business objectives.

Moreover, the notary’s role doesn’t stop at document drafting. They also electronically file your deed and follow up with relevant ministries, ensuring your PT PMA registration aligns with the Online Single Submission (OSS) system and complies with the latest regulations.

Without a licensed notary for PT PMA registration, your company cannot legally exist, sign contracts, or apply for permits. In short, the notary is the legal bridge between your business idea and operational reality in Indonesia.

Whether you're starting in Bali, Lombok, or elsewhere in Indonesia, partnering with a reliable notary for PT PMA registration ensures you're on the right side of the law from day one.

Key Legal Documents That Only a Notary Can Draft

When establishing a foreign-owned company in Indonesia, certain core legal documents must be drafted and authorized by a licensed notary. These documents form the legal foundation of your business and are mandatory for government recognition. Without a notary for PT PMA registration, your company cannot proceed through the proper legal channels.

1. Akta Pendirian (Deed of Establishment)

This is the most crucial document when registering a PT PMA. It includes the company name, founders, business activities, capital structure, and other foundational details. The Ministry of Law and Human Rights (Kemenkumham) will only approve your company if this deed is drafted and submitted by a licensed notary.

2. Anggaran Dasar (Articles of Association)

This document outlines the internal rules of your company: roles and responsibilities of shareholders, voting rights, management structure, share allocation, and corporate objectives. A notary ensures that your Articles of Association comply with Indonesian Company Law (UU PT) and OSS (Online Single Submission) standards.

3. Akta Perubahan (Amendment Deed)

Any changes to your business—such as adding shareholders, changing business addresses, increasing capital, or altering business activities—require an Amendment Deed. Only a notary for PT PMA registration can draft and legalize these changes so they are officially recognized by the authorities.

4. Notarial Deed of Meeting Minutes

For major corporate actions like shareholder meetings, board resolutions, or director appointments, the minutes must be formalized as a notarial deed. This ensures that internal decisions are documented in accordance with the law and enforceable if challenged.

Without these notarized documents, your PT PMA cannot be legally validated, nor can you apply for business licenses or tax registrations. A notary for PT PMA registration is not just a convenience—it’s a legal necessity to operate confidently and compliantly in Bali, Lombok, or anywhere else in Indonesia.

The Registration Process: How a Notary Moves Your PT PMA Forward

Registering a PT PMA (foreign-owned company) in Indonesia is not just about submitting paperwork—it’s a structured legal process that requires multiple steps, and at each stage, the notary for PT PMA registration plays a central role.

The process begins with the notary drafting your Akta Pendirian (Deed of Establishment) and Anggaran Dasar (Articles of Association). These documents are then submitted electronically to the Ministry of Law and Human Rights (Kemenkumham) via the Directorate General of General Legal Administration (AHU) system. Without this validation, your company is not legally recognized.

Once approved, the notary proceeds to assist with obtaining your company’s SK Pengesahan (Ministerial Decree of Legal Entity Approval), which confirms your business is registered under Indonesian law. This step cannot be bypassed and must be completed before accessing other government services.

After that, the notary helps coordinate your business registration through the OSS-RBA (Online Single Submission – Risk-Based Approach) portal. This integrated platform connects your company to the necessary licenses, permits, and tax documentation, including your NIB (Business Identification Number) and NPWP (Tax ID Number).

In addition, your notary for PT PMA registration can support communication with local government offices to secure the domicile letter—a requirement for your business to operate legally in its designated area (e.g., Bali or Lombok).

By navigating these multi-agency processes on your behalf, a qualified notary for PT PMA registration ensures your business meets all legal checkpoints smoothly and accurately, from company formation to operational readiness.

Common Mistakes When Skipping a Notary

One of the most damaging mistakes foreign investors make when setting up a company is attempting to bypass the notary for PT PMA registration. In an effort to save money or time, some use online templates or turn to unregistered agents—decisions that often backfire and result in serious legal and financial setbacks.

A key legal requirement for establishing a PT PMA is the Akta Pendirian (Deed of Establishment), which must be drafted, signed, and submitted by a licensed notary. Using do-it-yourself (DIY) documents or informal arrangements can lead to invalid Akta, which in turn causes OSS-RBA (Online Single Submission – Risk-Based Approach) rejections. Without a valid Akta, your business will not receive the SK Kemenkumham (legal entity approval), halting your registration entirely.

Another common issue is having an unclear or incomplete shareholding structure. This becomes problematic when calculating dividends, managing taxes, or proving ownership in disputes. A qualified notary for PT PMA registration ensures clarity around who owns what—crucial in Indonesia where regulations tightly govern foreign capital.

Real-world consequences of skipping a notary are significant:

• A hospitality investor in Lombok had their SK Kemenkumham denied due to inconsistencies in document formatting and missing legal clauses.
• A foreign-owned property business in Bali had its land acquisition blocked, as the deed was not validated by a notary recognized by the Indonesian Bar Association.
• In one case, a digital startup’s corporate bank account was frozen because their NPWP and NIB did not match the Akta Pendirian submitted without a proper notary.

Choosing a trusted notary for PT PMA registration is not just about formality—it’s about avoiding costly rework, regulatory penalties, and even business shutdowns. In Indonesia, your legal structure is only as strong as your documents—and those documents must be executed by professionals who understand the law inside out.

Why It’s Even More Important in Bali & Lombok 

Foreign-owned businesses in Bali and Lombok operate under tighter regulatory scrutiny than many other regions in Indonesia. This is especially true for high-impact industries like tourism, hospitality, real estate, and F&B. Because these sectors often involve land use, employment, and operational permits, the supporting documents must be flawless—starting from the notarial process.

Local DPMPTSP (Investment Licensing Office) and sectoral regulators frequently require certified documentation prepared by a licensed notary for PT PMA registration. Without it, applications for operational licenses, building permits (PBG), or even just a company domicile certificate can be stalled or rejected.

In Bali and Lombok, local governments often demand specific document formatting, correct Bahasa Indonesia legal terminology, and clearly defined ownership structures. These are not merely technicalities—they reflect the region’s heightened emphasis on ensuring foreign investment complies with national and regional laws.

Working with a qualified notary for PT PMA registration significantly reduces the risk of missteps. It ensures that your business documents are not only valid at the national level (via OSS and Kemenkumham), but also accepted by local officials—paving the way for smoother operations and faster licensing.

Choosing the Right Notary: What to Look For

When setting up a foreign-owned company in Indonesia, especially in highly regulated areas like Bali or Lombok, selecting the right notary for PT PMA registration can make or break your business journey. Not all notaries are created equal—and working with the wrong one could delay your operations, result in legal errors, or even invalidate your registration.

First and foremost, ensure your notary is officially registered with Kemenkumham (the Ministry of Law and Human Rights). This guarantees that all documents they issue—such as your Akta Pendirian (Deed of Establishment)—will be accepted by the OSS RBA system and other government portals.

Second, check for experience specifically in PT PMA structures, not just local company (PT Lokal) setups. A seasoned notary for PT PMA registration understands the requirements for foreign shareholding, minimum capital regulations, and the cross-border implications of corporate documentation.

Next, look for someone who is well-versed in your specific industry. Whether you're starting a property rental business, a restaurant, or a wellness retreat, different sectors come with different licensing, tax, and compliance issues. A notary familiar with your niche can help navigate these nuances from day one.

Additional value comes from notaries who offer in-house legal support, translation services, or multilingual consultations—especially useful for foreign founders unfamiliar with Indonesian legal language.

In short, the right notary for PT PMA registration is more than a document processor—they are a trusted compliance partner, helping you build a business foundation that is valid, accepted, and future-proof in both national and regional jurisdictions.

Conclusion: Legal Security Starts With the Right Deeds 

When it comes to launching a successful foreign-owned business in Indonesia, especially in high-opportunity regions like Bali and Lombok, legal certainty is not a luxury—it’s a necessity. At the heart of that certainty is working with the right notary for PT PMA registration.

Too often, entrepreneurs rush into setup using informal agents or DIY templates, only to encounter major issues later: OSS rejections, tax complications, and even frozen operations. All of these problems can often be traced back to incomplete or incorrect notarial documents.

A licensed notary for PT PMA registration doesn’t just fill in forms—they ensure that your company is legally valid, that shareholding is clearly structured, and that your documents will be accepted by both national and local regulators. Their expertise creates a solid foundation that protects your investments from the very beginning.

If you're planning to establish your business in Bali or Lombok, don’t leave legality to chance. Consult a certified notary early in your journey to ensure your dream business is built on safe and compliant ground.

‍