OWNERSHIP IN INDONESIA
Owning land in Lombok as an international buyer.
A clear, legal path to your plot — through your own Indonesian company, with a registered title in its name. No nominees. No grey areas.
How the structure works
Key terms
- PT PMA
- Your own foreign-owned Indonesian company
- HGB
- Hak Guna Bangunan — a registered right to build, up to 80 years
- PBG
- Building permit for your villa
- PPAT
- Official land deed notary
- BPN
- National Land Agency, where titles are registered
The short answer
Can foreigners buy land in Lombok? Yes — the right way.
Freehold is reserved for Indonesian citizens, but the law gives international buyers secure, registered alternatives.
What you can do
PT PMA holding an HGB title
Your own foreign-owned Indonesian company holds a registered right to use and build on the land. This is the structure used for ELYN plots — suited to holding, building, renting and resale.
Hak Pakai (right of use)
Foreign individuals holding an Indonesian residence permit can hold a right of use for a personal home, subject to conditions and minimum price thresholds. Best for private residence, not investment.
What to avoid
Hak Milik (freehold)
The strongest form of ownership is reserved for Indonesian citizens. A foreigner cannot hold it directly.
Nominee arrangements
Putting land in a local's name while you “control” it on paper is prohibited under Indonesian investment law and such agreements are void. ELYN never uses nominees.
Hak Guna Bangunan
Understanding HGB in Indonesia.
HGB is a registered land right that lets its holder use the land and construct buildings on it. It is recorded at the National Land Agency (BPN) in the name of your PT PMA.
Before you buy
Due diligence, done properly.
Every plot should be checked before a single rupiah changes hands. These are the checks we walk through with you — and we encourage you to verify them with your own notary or lawyer.
Title status
The HGB or land certificate is checked at the land office (BPN): genuine, registered and free of disputes or encumbrances.
Boundaries & survey
Plot boundaries and size confirmed by official cadastral measurement, matching the certificate.
Land use & zoning
The spatial plan allows the intended use — residential or tourism accommodation.
Legal access
A registered right of access to the plot from the public road.
Seller & consents
Identity of the seller confirmed, with every required family or spousal consent in place.
Taxes paid
Annual land and building tax (PBB) settled, with no outstanding liabilities on the land.
Building requirements
Setbacks, height limits and the building approval (PBG) needed for your villa.
Company structure
Your PT PMA set up with the correct business activity codes (KBLI) for your plans.
Permits & infrastructure
Road, water and electricity connections, and the permits that come with them.
Ownership FAQ
What investors ask.
Clear answers on structure, costs and process. A full legal and tax FAQ is available on request.
Ask a questionCan foreigners buy land in Lombok?
Foreign investors can access Indonesian real estate through recognised legal structures, typically an Indonesian company such as a PT PMA holding an HGB title, rather than direct freehold ownership.
What is HGB in Indonesia?
HGB (Hak Guna Bangunan) is a registered Indonesian land right that permits the holder to use and construct buildings on the land, and can be held by eligible Indonesian legal entities.
How long does an HGB title last?
HGB has a potential total duration of up to 80 years — a 30-year initial term, a possible 20-year extension and a possible further 30-year renewal — subject to applicable law and eligibility requirements.
Can a foreigner hold HGB directly?
HGB is held by eligible Indonesian legal entities. For international investors, this is typically arranged through an Indonesian company such as a PT PMA rather than in the individual's own name.
What is a PT PMA?
A PT PMA is an Indonesian limited liability company established with foreign investment. It can provide the corporate structure through which an HGB title is held.
Do I need a PT PMA before choosing a plot?
No. Company formation can run in parallel with plot preparation, but the PT PMA needs to be properly established by the time the title is transferred.
Can I buy an ELYN plot remotely?
In many cases yes — significant parts of the transaction can be coordinated remotely using notarised or legalised powers of attorney, depending on requirements.
Can I buy land in Lombok without building immediately?
Yes. A plot can be acquired for land banking and held, with the decision to build, resell or combine it with another plot made later.
Can I build a villa on my ELYN plot?
Yes, subject to plot size, design, terrain and the applicable permits and approvals for the intended development.
Can I combine two adjacent plots?
Yes. Adjacent plots may be combined to create a larger development site.
Can I resell my land later?
Yes, through the transfer of the relevant title or corporate structure, with the transaction structure confirmed by the relevant notary and advisers at the time.
What currency are ELYN land purchases made in?
Payments are normally structured in Indonesian Rupiah (IDR), as required by law. Any EUR, AUD or other currency figures shown are conversions for reference only.
What additional costs apply beyond the land price?
Potential additional costs include buyer taxes, notary/PPAT and cadastral fees, company administration, infrastructure, design, permits and construction — final figures are confirmed for each specific transaction.
Who prepares the HGB title?
ELYN coordinates the conversion, subdivision and preparation of the individual HGB title together with the relevant notary/PPAT and BPN processes.
Can I use my own lawyer or adviser?
Yes. Buyers may appoint independent legal, tax or technical advisers alongside the elements ELYN coordinates.
Private enquiry
Start a conversation.
Tell us what you're considering. We'll walk you through the structure, the costs and the steps — and connect you with the right notary and advisers.