Apartment Buying

Dec 17th, 2006, in Business & Economy, by

Foreigners may soon be able to buy apartments.

The government, says the Jakarta Post, seems likely to issue a regulation next year that will allow foreigners a restricted right to own some forms of property, such as apartments.

Indonesian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Kadin) chairman Muhammad S. Hidayat said that it remains unclear precisely what types of property are involved, although it seems likely that apartments will be the main type. Hidayat claimed that President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono had, in principle, agreed to open the country’s property market to foreign buyers.

It was agreed during a discussion last month with the President, National Land Agency (BPN) chairman Joyo Winoto, property developer Hendro Setyawan and myself, that a form of foreign ownership would be legalized in 2007.

Speaking at the annual meeting of the Indonesian Real Estate Developers Association (REI) in Jakarta, Hidayat said a presidential regulation would likely be issued to permit foreigners to own some forms of real estate as revising the existing Real Property Law would take too long.

There is a legal breakthrough on the cards. We expect that it will take the form of a presidential regulation. I have suggested that title take the form of a fixed-term building use right (HGB), up to a maximum term of 70 years.

Under a 1996 regulation on foreign property ownership, foreigners are only allowed to purchase fixed-term HGB titles up to a maximum of 25 years. However, besides the term being very restrictive, the regulation has never actually been implemented on the ground.

As a follow up to the discussion, Hidayat said, the BPN chairman had invited REI members, notaries and others to participate in further discussions with a view to drafting the new regulation.

Hopefully, the regulation will be put on the books in 2007. Given this, I hope that foreigners will become more willing to invest in Indonesia.

Hidayat, who was also a former REI chairman, said that the real-estate industry had long been urging a change in the regulations so as to allow non-nationals to purchase property in Indonesia, but progress had only recently begun to be made.

This matter has been a topic of recent discussion, see also Rights of Use on Property, no action as of yet.


44 Comments on “Apartment Buying”

  1. Tomaculum says:

    The problem is not to buy an appartement, but to maintain it. You can nurse your own app., but if the maintenance of the whole building is miserable, so you can throw the money you spent.
    My question (maybe some one can help me): what about the quality of the maintenance of such buildings in Indonesia?
    I know it from Europe, that to maintain such building is connected with much much works, acountability and skill.

  2. mrXgroovy says:

    How will this help Indonesians? Other than real estate agents and appartment owners? Isn’t that the point?

  3. Bas says:

    It’s not too bad the first few years (Indonesian standards) then it declines and get more and more expensive. That rule prevails for everything in Indonesia. Food, public transportation… everything. At first it’s not bad… (well it’s bad but not too bad) then there is a lack of money for the maintenance. And there are always problems. Buy a property in Indonesia is a bad investment. Not to mention the great amount of time and money needed (related with immigration) to live in that country.

  4. Andrew says:

    MAINTENANCE has never been given enough emphasis in Indonesia. All evidence leads to the lack of maintenance – from the simplest thing like public parks to the high-tech stuff like aircrafts. They’re cutting corners wherever they could.

    What’s worse, there is no concept of ACCOUNTABILITY in Indonesia.

    If I were a foreigner, I wouldn’t buy any property in Indonesia – the problems mentioned above, plus the volatile social & political climate make it too risky an investment.

  5. Grace and Mercy says:

    Yippeeee! Now those annoying real estate sales rep in malls will harrass “bules” (no disrespect) and leave me alone.

  6. 1ndra says:

    Just find the qualified developer, if there’re any, then buy it.

  7. Achmad Sudarsono says:

    Friends,

    Why should we allow the Bule to expand his influence in Indonesia with buy apartment ? If its Malaysia, Pakistan, or other Muslim, it’s ok, but why the Bule ?

    Friends,

    I don’t understand why if:

    – You were concerned about higene on this Blog – ie basic higene and the bird flu forum.
    – Why would you let the Bule into have apartment ?

    Sukarno say: go to hell with your AID.
    Sudarsono say: go to hell with your AIDS.

    Savvy ?

    Increase Da Peace,
    Maximum Respect.

  8. Tomaculum says:

    Hi, A. Sudarsono, my grandson, you are much better than Borat or Ali G. but not original enough. 🙂

    And for you guys in this blog: I’m very sorry for the behaviour of this my grandson. He was (since his birth) something like “strange”, but he is very genius although not original. Sorry! 🙁

    To your questions my grandson:

    1. If they buy an appartement in Indonesia, the Indonesian gov. could better control
    them and if there is a riot, the mob could easily find them. 🙂

    2. “If its Malaysia, Pakistan, or other Muslim, it’s ok, but why the Bule ?
    Because their money is more halal. 🙂 🙂

    3. “Why would you let the Bule into have apartment ?
    They would let you buy an appartement too if you have enough money and if your money is halal. 🙂 🙂 🙂

  9. Ihaknt says:

    Achmad, what makes you think that all bule are non Muslim? Plenty are Muslims. I guess you see what you wanna see, Achmad is Achmad does.

  10. Achmad Sudarsono says:

    Friends,

    Andrew: on the contrary have you ever been to B.A.T.S on a Friday night ? Stuffed full of guffawing, red-faced, jelly-bellied, Bules breathing beer fumes and cigarette smoke everywhere, sweating into their popcorn. Don’t smell like roses, I’m tellin’ ya.

    Ihaknt: Friend, be fair: 99 % of Bules in Jakarta aren’t Muslims; those that are often just go through the ceremony to marry a Muslim woman whose unsuspecting parents think their daughter is marrying someone of faith.

    Friends, I need to clarify: I’m talking about Bule men. There’s no reason to think that Bule women aren’t clean except those that don’t shave their armpits.

    Sava Da Flava

    Achmad

  11. Tomaculum says:

    A. Sudarsono, have you got your apartment now? Or do the developers recognise, that your money isn’t halal?

    “on the contrary have you ever been to B.A.T.S on a Friday night ? Stuffed full of guffawing, red-faced, jelly-bellied, Bules breathing beerfumes and cigarette smoke everywhere, sweating into their popcorn. Don’t smell like roses, I’m tellin’ ya.”

    What have you done there, A. Sudarsono? You smell their beerfumes? So close? Hm, …., oh, no, I don’t want to think or imagine further. Apologise, apologise!
    🙂

  12. 1ndra says:

    What the price nowadays?

  13. Ihaknt says:

    Ihaknt: Friend, be fair: 99 % of Bules in Jakarta aren’t Muslims; those that are often just go through the ceremony to marry a Muslim woman whose unsuspecting parents think their daughter is marrying someone of faith.

    99%. Mmmm based on what? Did you do a survey did you? So you asked every single bule in Jakarta? And as per Tom, how did you know how they smell, AND what were you doing there yourself? Just to wallow in jealousy while you were there? Why waste your time?

    I must say that many Indo marriage ceremonies are not simple. And to be prepared to go through it from someone with different cultural background shows how much love, as it is frustrating and daunting if you don’t know the lengthy process. I know this, because my husband (and his family and 20 bule friends) is one of those beerfume-smelling bules, who went thru with the ceremony (3 freaking days man!) because he loves me. BUT tell you the truth, he converted because the laws there doesnt allow couple from different faith in union. So yes, he did it for the paperwork. I dont want to force my religion onto anyone, but if it means cutting thru red tapes then why not. He wil be ready when he is ready. OH and my parents knew that he did that for the paperwork. They also think it’s cruel that a couple cant be together just because of different religion, but we are not hurting anyone, like some people who brand themselves religious. Urusan dosa is in God’s hand not in the jealous-rage Ono brothers’s.

    Pis aut dude.

  14. Dimp says:

    he converted because the laws there doesnt allow couple from different faith in union.

    Another stupid law by the Indonesian bureaucracy, what purpose does this law serve? What I have seen so far is people who love each other are forced to changed his/her religion.

    I saw a documentary about a Christian guy who wanted to marry a Moslem girl, he eventually converted to Islam, but the way one of the Ulema converted him brings me to tears (of laughter). The Ulema insisted that the guy is doing the right thing as by doing the conversion he is guaranteed that he is going to Heaven, furthermore the Ulema assured him that only Moslems can go to Heaven…. classic.

  15. Ihaknt says:

    Dimp, you forgot one more point that only Muslim can do. To buy apartment in Jakarta. So you can’t buy it Dimp. Sucked in.

  16. Ali says:

    Sudarsono said:

    99 % of Bules in Jakarta aren’t Muslims; those that are often just go through the ceremony to marry a Muslim woman whose unsuspecting parents think their daughter is marrying someone of faith.

    :)) it goes both ways, the man’s parents think their son is marrying someone of faith

    Eee aaaalah onooo, ono, you’re a complete joke – maybe a quick tour around the world would open your blind eyes and extremely narrow mind.

  17. Dimp says:

    Dimp, you forgot one more point that only Muslim can do. To buy apartment in Jakarta. So you can’t buy it Dimp. Sucked in.

    It’s okay, I’ll just use my brother in law’s name to buy the apartments then.

  18. Andrew says:

    Achmad “da racist” Sudarsono, why do you hate westerners and sexy girls so much? have they done something to you… or rather, what have they not done to you? 🙂

  19. Ihaknt says:

    😀 I have the same question Andrew.

    Also, bules are just like any other races, there are bad people there are good people. Can’t generalise ALL white people that they are bad no? Many of my friends are bules, and they are lovely people.

    Oh and many non-Christians (since apparently 99% bules are non-Muslims. Bollocks!!!) Indos buy apartment overseas too, so what’s so wrong if these bules buy them in Jakarta? The property developer wants to make money, and if the bules happen to be able to afford it then, go figure.

  20. Achmad Sudarsono says:

    Andrew,

    For a succinct case study in the Bule mind, look no further than the thread on “Dating Indonesian Women,” on this Blog. There’s one Blue there who says :

    “If you can’t get laid every night in Jakarta you must be gay or have a problem,” or something like that.

    As an Indonesian brother, I strongly advise you to be careful of these Bules. You never know who they are working for. Also, voice recording devices and video cameras are becoming tiny and indetectable these days – you never know what’s been planted in your house and person.

    For me, it’s not a matter of hating Bules. I just want to protect my country. As you point out, there have always been bad people. Before the Prophet S.A.W. came along Mecca was full of people acting like the Bules here.

    Also – Moderator – I think it’s unfair that these guys are allowed to insult me, but my comments have to be moderated.

    Increase Da Peace
    ‘N’
    Fight Fo What’s Right
    Achmad

  21. Ihaknt says:

    Get over yourself. Are you saying that you will save Jakarta or Indonesia like the Prophet did Mecca???? Get real!

    And only one bule made that comment and you judge the whole race? Well if the bule got to know you then they would think the whole Indo is like you! Which is an insult for the WHOLE community!

  22. Dimp says:

    Hi Achmad,

    For a succinct case study in the Bule mind, look no further than the thread on “Dating Indonesian Women,” on this Blog. There’s one Blue there who says :

    “If you can’t get laid every night in Jakarta you must be gay or have a problem,” or something like that.

    This actually shows that there are a lot of Indonesian girls who are after Bule, because Bule obviously have more money.

  23. Tomaculum says:

    Do we know if A. Sudarsono (or who he is in reality) is not sent from CIA to agitate and to provoke us, so that we hate the white race and then attack them?
    Then it would be a reason for the USA to occupy Indonesia?
    I’ve thought he is my grandson, but I’m not sure anymore again.
    🙂

  24. Ihaknt says:

    Tom, grandson? In that case we will have to address you with Pak, as you are older hehehehehe….;) hehee.

    No, I never see him in my office in CIA, maybe he is in a different project :D.

  25. Achmad Sudarsono says:

    Hey Friends,

    Sorry, I just want to share and inform. I’m sorry if I insult. Maybe I have been too hard on the Bule. I will try to make some Bule friends. I will have to learn to drink beer. But friends, don’t worry, I will not inhale.

    Increase Da Peace
    Achmad

  26. Daryono says:

    Once again; the esteemed Pak Achmad is up against young Indonesians who have sadly been so corrupted by vile Western culture.

    So bule have more money? Does that mean that the Indonesian women contributing here are willing to prostitute themselves so readily? Are they willing to throw away their traditional values and culture so that a bule can satisfy his lust; for money?

    The money they have came from the fruits that Allah gave Indonesia; and was then stolen by them”¦

  27. Ali says:

    Kangmas, don’t be like that lah, you are over-generalizing the bules and our own women.

  28. Andrew says:

    Achmad Sudarsono & Daryono,

    One bad apple or two don’t spoil the whole bunch. There are bad bules, there are good ones, and the same applies for every race on earth. Like others in this forum, I have many bule friends and they are very good and decent people, far from the traits depicted in your posts.

    And regardless of religion, people can be either good or bad as well. Admitting that people of other belief(s) can be good and decent people doesn’t make you a bad Muslim, does it?

    So for the sake of good discussion, can we look at things on a case-by-case basis?

  29. Joy says:

    Thank you, Andrew.
    My husband is white (or bule. it’s ok.. he actually doesn’t mind).
    I appreciate your comment!!

  30. Tomaculum says:

    “The money they have came from the fruits that Allah gave Indonesia”

    Maybe it was Brahma or Manitou or Jesus’ Dad, given things to Indonesia (remember: before Allah was visiting Indonesia, the Indonesian have already had other Gods: Brahma, Vishnu, Shiwa, etc., etc. Where was Allah at that time?). Think and then write, eh, Daryono, it would sound better … 🙂

    “the esteemed Pak Achmad is up against young Indonesians who have sadly been so corrupted by vile Western culture.”

    And you and A. Sudarsono are corrupted by a very vile culture, which teach you to insult other culture? 🙂

    “So bule have more money?”

    My, my, Daryono. If you are not even able the ironic undertone of Dimp, then please try to think more calmly. It is people like you who always think, that the westerner (once again: westerner, because not all westerner are not white. And I don’t like it too if someday some westerner give it us back and call us: brown apes.) have more money.

    “Does that mean that the Indonesian women contributing here are willing to prostitute themselves so readily? Are they willing to throw away their traditional values and culture so that a bule can satisfy his lust; for money?”

    Again you insulting others and this time the women contributing here. Poor Daryono. 🙂 Do you have any problem?

    “Sorry, I just want to share and inform”

    No, no, A. Sudarsono. There are only two explanations for your insulting:
    1. You think so.
    2. You just try to provoke us.

    Oh, Ihaknt , then I have to change my suspicion: he is maybe a Mossad agent.

    🙂
    Sorry, Patung.

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