What is KBLI?
KBLI stands for Klasifikasi Baku Lapangan Usaha Indonesia — Indonesia's Standard Classification of Business Fields. It is a standardised system of codes that categorises every type of business activity in Indonesia into a five-digit code.
Every PT PMA must declare its intended business activities using KBLI codes when registering through the OSS (Online Single Submission) portal. Your KBLI codes define what your company is legally permitted to do in Indonesia.
Why KBLI codes matter
Choosing the wrong KBLI codes has serious consequences:
- Ownership restrictions: Some KBLI codes require a local Indonesian partner and limit foreign ownership to less than 100%. If your KBLI requires 51% local ownership and you have structured your PT PMA with 100% foreign ownership, you are non-compliant.
- Operational restrictions: If you conduct business activities not listed in your KBLI, you are technically operating outside your licensed scope.
- Banking and licensing: Indonesian banks and sector-specific regulators check your KBLI when evaluating account applications and sector licenses.
- LKPM reporting: Your quarterly LKPM investment activity reports are tied to your KBLI codes.
How KBLI codes are structured
KBLI codes are five digits. The first two digits represent the major sector, and the subsequent digits narrow down to the specific activity. For example:
- 70 = Management consultancy activities (sector)
- 702 = Management consultancy activities (division)
- 70209 = Other management consultancy activities (specific activity)
A PT PMA can hold multiple KBLI codes — you are not limited to one activity.
Common KBLI codes for foreign investors
| KBLI Code | Description | Common use |
|---|---|---|
| 70209 | Other management consultancy activities | E-commerce consulting, digital marketing, business consulting |
| 62010 | Computer programming activities | Software development, apps, IT services |
| 73100 | Advertising activities | Creative agencies, media buying, influencer marketing |
| 47910 | Retail via mail order or internet | E-commerce retail, online marketplaces |
| 46900 | Non-specialised wholesale trade | Import/export, general trading |
| 55110 | Hotels and similar accommodation | Boutique hotels, guesthouses, villas |
| 56101 | Restaurants and mobile food service | Restaurants, cafes, food businesses |
| 68110 | Real estate activities with own property | Property development, real estate |
The 2021 Positive Investment List
Presidential Regulation 10/2021 fundamentally changed which KBLI codes are open to foreign investment. Under the previous system (Negative Investment List), the default was restriction — sectors were listed as closed to foreign investment. Under the new Positive Investment List, the default is openness.
Sectors that remain restricted or reserved fall into three categories:
- Closed to all investment: A small number of sectors (weapons manufacturing, narcotics) that are closed to both foreign and domestic private investment.
- Reserved for cooperatives and MSMEs: Certain sectors are reserved for Indonesian small businesses, particularly in traditional crafts, retail, and agriculture.
- Requires partnership: Some sectors require a local Indonesian partner but allow foreign participation up to a defined percentage.
How to find the right KBLI for your business
The official KBLI database is managed by the Indonesian Central Statistics Agency (BPS) and integrated into the OSS portal. However, the descriptions can be ambiguous, and many business activities could plausibly fall under multiple codes.
The safest approach is to work with a formation specialist who reviews your specific business model against the current Positive Investment List and selects the codes that most accurately reflect your activities — while ensuring you are in the sectors open to 100% foreign ownership.
KBLI and LKPM reporting
Once your PT PMA is active, you are required to file quarterly LKPM (Laporan Kegiatan Penanaman Modal) — investment activity reports — through the OSS portal. These reports document your investment realisation against the investment plan associated with each KBLI code. Failure to file LKPM on time carries penalties and can result in your NIB being flagged or revoked.