Buy and hold property in
Indonesia: the secure way

Not directly. Foreigners cannot hold freehold title, known as Hak Milik, in their own name. The usual routes are a Right to Use (Hak Pakai) for foreigners resident in Indonesia, a long-term leasehold with protective terms, or holding property through a foreign-owned PT PMA under Hak Guna Bangunan.

Hak Pakai is the Right to Use title, and it is available to foreigners who are resident in Indonesia. It is one of the legal ways a foreigner can hold property, alongside leasehold and holding through a PT PMA. ILA can advise whether it fits your residency status and plans.

Holding property through a foreign-owned PT PMA, under Hak Guna Bangunan, is one of the recognised routes. Whether it suits you depends on what you plan to do with the property, so ILA looks at the holding structure together with the purchase or lease agreement before you commit.

Timing depends on the agreement, and ILA confirms it as soon as you send it over. The team also replies outside standard office hours, which helps when a seller or agent is pushing for a quick decision. A short wait for a proper review is usually worth it before you sign or pay.

ILA's lawyers are independent and are not paid based on whether a deal closes, so their only interest is protecting you. Bali has seen land disputes over plots that could not legally be sold, and an independent check of title, zoning and seller before any payment is the simplest way to avoid that.