Why Setting Up a PT PMA is the Best Way to Buy Property at The Habitat in Kuta, Lombok

Foreigners looking to invest in property in Indonesia often ask: “Can I legally own a villa in Lombok?” The short answer is yes and the most simple and safe way to do that is through a PT PMA structure.

PT PMA

7/29/20253 min read

At The Habitat in Kuta Lombok, all villa sales to international buyers are facilitated through PT PMA ownership, the most secure and fully legal pathway to own property in Indonesia as a foreigner.

In this article, we break down:

  • What a PT PMA is

  • Why it’s required to buy a villa at The Habitat

  • The key advantages of PT PMA ownership

  • Why this structure offers long-term security, flexibility, and investment potential

Whether you're planning to move, invest, or generate rental income in Lombok, understanding the power of the PT PMA is essential.


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What is a PT PMA?

A PT PMA (Perseroan Terbatas Penanaman Modal Asing) is a foreign-owned limited liability company established under Indonesian law. It’s the only legal structure that allows foreign individuals or entities to own land or property with full rights in Indonesia.

Through a PT PMA, you can legally:

  1. Own land and buildings under a Right to Build (Hak Guna Bangunan) or Right to Use (Hak Pakai)

  2. Operate a business, such as a villa rental or hospitality service

  3. Buy and sell real estate, including villas like those at The Habitat

Why The Habitat Requires PT PMA Ownership

At The Habitat, our villas are structured for long-term, legal ownership by foreign investors, which can only be done through a PT PMA. This ensures every buyer is fully protected under Indonesian law and holds their asset in a transparent and secure way.

Unlike leasehold-only offerings that carry legal uncertainty, a PT PMA provides true legal ownership, clarity of title, and confidence in your investment.

5 Key Advantages of Owning a Villa at The Habitat via PT PMA

1. ✅ Full Legal Ownership Under Indonesian Law

A PT PMA allows you to legally own the building and hold long-term rights to the land beneath it. This provides more permanence and security than leasehold agreements or personal leases.

2. 📈 Strong Investment Potential

With a PT PMA, you can legally rent out your villa, turning your tropical home into a revenue-generating asset. Kuta Lombok’s tourism growth and rising demand for luxury accommodations make this a lucrative opportunity.

3. 🔐 Long-Term Security

The land rights held under a PT PMA, such as Hak Guna Bangunan (HGB), are typically valid for 30 years and can be extended twice (for up to 80 years total). This gives you the long-term security needed to protect your investment.

4. 🔄 Easier Resale and Exit Strategy

Villas owned under a PT PMA can be legally sold. This simplifies the resale process and protects your asset's value in the future. There is also only a 2.5% sales tax that applies to any property sales by a PT PMA, compared to up to 20% for a foreign leasehold.

5. 🌐 Business Flexibility

Beyond real estate, a PT PMA allows you to conduct business in Indonesia, from holiday rentals and management services to wellness, hospitality, or tourism ventures. This is ideal for digital nomads, entrepreneurs, and lifestyle investors.

The Process: How to Set Up a PT PMA to Buy at The Habitat

Setting up a PT PMA is a structured process, and our team at The Habitat works closely with experienced notaries and legal advisors to assist you at every step. The setup typically involves:

  1. Company registration and approval with BKPM (Indonesian Investment Coordinating Board)

  2. Obtaining a tax ID and business licenses

  3. Drafting of corporate documents

  4. Approval to acquire land or property under the PT PMA

The process is straightforward with professional guidance and usually takes 3–6 weeks from start to finish.

Why Lombok, Why Now?

Kuta Lombok is experiencing a transformation. With new infrastructure, a growing airport, and a steady rise in tourism, the area is poised for strong appreciation. Compared to Bali, property in Lombok is still undervalued, but that’s changing quickly.

The Habitat is one of the few boutique villa developments offering:

🌴 Central, yet peaceful locations
🛏️ Architect-designed villas with private pools and premium finishes
🛡️ PT PMA-ready titles for foreign investors
🏝️ Your choice as to who you want to manage your property.

Final Thoughts

If you’re serious about owning property in Indonesia as a foreigner, establishing a PT PMA is the most secure and strategic option. At The Habitat in Kuta Lombok, we’ve designed every aspect of the development, from legal structure to villa design, to support foreign buyers in making a safe and profitable investment.

Whether you’re planning a move, building your holiday home, or looking for rental yield in one of Indonesia’s fastest-growing destinations, the PT PMA route unlocks the door.

📩 Get in touch with us today to learn more about setting up your PT PMA and securing your villa at The Habitat.