Setting up a company in Indonesia starts with one critical first step: choosing the right name. Whether you are registering a new PT PMA or renaming an existing one, the Indonesian government has clear legal rules you must follow. Get it wrong, and your registration can be delayed or rejected entirely.
This guide walks you through every step — from naming rules and incorporation requirements to the official process for changing a company name in Indonesia.
What Is a PT Company Name in Indonesia?
A PT company name is the official legal identity of your business entity in Indonesia. “PT” stands for Perseroan Terbatas, which means Limited Liability Company. Every registered company in Indonesia must carry this prefix before its official name.
Your company name appears on all legal documents — including the Deed of Establishment, Business Identification Number (NIB), and tax registration number (NPWP). This makes it more than just a brand. It is a legal identifier that is formally recognized by the Ministry of Law and Human Rights (Kementerian Hukum dan Hak Asasi Manusia, or Kemenkumham).
For foreign-owned companies, the full legal name follows the format: PT [Company Name], registered under the PT PMA structure. Naming rules are governed by Government Regulation No. 43 of 2011 (PP 43/2011) and Law No. 40 of 2007 on Limited Liability Companies.
Types of Companies in Indonesia
Understanding the types of companies helps you identify which category your business falls under and which naming rules apply.
State-Owned Company (BUMN)
BUMN stands for Badan Usaha Milik Negara, or State-Owned Enterprise. These are companies where the Indonesian government holds majority ownership — such as Pertamina, PLN, and Garuda Indonesia. BUMNs are regulated separately and cannot be owned by foreign investors.
Private-Owned Company (BUMS)
BUMS stands for Badan Usaha Milik Swasta, or Privately-Owned Enterprise. These companies are owned by private individuals or entities — either Indonesian nationals or foreign investors. PT PMA falls under this category. Most foreign investors establishing operations in Indonesia will set up a BUMS in the form of a PT PMA.
Most Common Business Entities in Indonesia
Indonesia offers several legal business structures. These are the most common ones foreign investors encounter:
- PT (Perseroan Terbatas) — A local limited liability company owned entirely by Indonesian citizens or domestic legal entities
- PT PMA (Perseroan Terbatas Penanaman Modal Asing) — A foreign-owned limited liability company; the primary structure for foreign investors seeking to generate revenue
- CV (Commanditaire Vennootschap) — A partnership structure; not available to foreign investors
- Representative Office (KPPA/KP3A) — Allows foreign companies to maintain a presence in Indonesia for non-revenue-generating activities such as market research
- Branch Office — An extension of a foreign parent company; limited in operational scope
For foreign investors seeking full operational control and the legal right to generate revenue, the PT PMA remains the most effective choice. You can explore all your options in our guide to foreign company registration options in Indonesia.
Requirements for PMA Company Incorporation
Before selecting a company name, it is important to understand the full set of requirements for establishing a PT PMA.
Here is what you need to prepare:
- Company name — minimum three words, approved through the AHU online system (Kemenkumham)
- Deed of Establishment — notarized by a licensed Indonesian notary
- Taxpayer Identification Number (NPWP) — both at the corporate and director level
- Domicile Letter (Surat Keterangan Domisili Usaha / SKDU)
- Business Identification Number (NIB) — registered through the OSS (Online Single Submission) system
- Minimum paid-up capital of IDR 2.5 billion (approximately USD 150,000), as updated under Ministry of Investment Regulation No. 5 of 2025
- Minimum of two shareholders — individuals or legal entities, domestic or foreign
- At least one director who is a resident of Indonesia; foreign directors require a KITAS and NPWP
- At least one commissioner
To understand how different investment structures compare and which is right for your goals, read our complete guide to foreign investment structures in Indonesia.
How to Select a Company Name in Indonesia
Choosing a company name in Indonesia is not just a creative exercise — it is a formal legal process. The name must comply with PP 43/2011 and must be submitted for approval through the AHU (Administrasi Hukum Umum) online system before the company is established.
1. The Name Must Have at Least Three Words
All PT company names must consist of a minimum of three separate words. For example, “PT Bali Villa” would not be accepted. You would need to add at least one more word — such as “PT Bali Villa Investments” — to satisfy this requirement.
2. Use the Roman (Latin) Alphabet Only
Company names must be written using the Latin alphabet. You cannot use Arabic script, Cyrillic, or any other writing system. Standalone numbers or letter-number combinations that do not form a recognizable word are also prohibited.
3. The Name Must Be Unique
Your proposed name cannot be the same as — or even similar to — the following:
- Any existing registered company in Indonesia
- International organizations
- Government institutions or agencies
If similarity is found, the Ministry will reject the application.
4. The Name Cannot Solely Describe Business Activities
A name like PT Pemborongan dan Pengangkutan — which only lists what the company does — is not acceptable on its own. The name must reflect a distinct company identity, not just its activities.
5. No Offensive or Prohibited Words
Names that are vulgar, misleading, or imply a false connection to any government body are not allowed.
6. Foreign-Language Names Are Permitted for PT PMA
PT PMA companies can use a foreign-language name — such as an English name — as long as all other rules above are followed. This is helpful for international brands entering the Indonesian market.
7. You Can Reserve the Name Before Filing
You can check the availability of your proposed name through the AHU online portal before making a formal submission. This saves time and reduces the risk of rejection. Once approved, you can proceed to notarial work, OSS registration, and obtaining your NPWP.
For a full walkthrough of NPWP registration as a PT PMA owner, visit our NPWP guide for foreign business owners in Indonesia.
How to Change a Company Name in Indonesia
If you already have a PT PMA and need to change its name — due to rebranding, a merger, or a shift in business direction — you must follow a formal legal process. Changing a company name is classified as an amendment to the Articles of Association and requires approval from the Ministry of Law and Human Rights under Article 21 of Law No. 40 of 2007.
Step 1: Hold a General Meeting of Shareholders (GMS / RUPS)
The first step is to convene a General Meeting of Shareholders (Rapat Umum Pemegang Saham / RUPS). This is the formal forum where shareholders vote on major company decisions. The resolution to change the name must be passed in this meeting, in compliance with the quorum and majority requirements set out in your Articles of Association and Indonesian Company Law.
Step 2: Prepare and Check the New Name
Prepare your proposed new name and verify it complies with all naming rules under PP 43/2011. Use the AHU system to confirm the name is not already registered by another company.
Step 3: Submit an Application to the Ministry of Law and Human Rights
Apply electronically through the SABH (Legal Entity Administration System). Since a name change is a formal amendment to the Articles of Association, ministerial approval is required before the change takes legal effect.
Step 4: Execute the Deed of Amendment
After receiving ministerial approval, a licensed Indonesian notary will prepare the Amendment of Articles of Association (Akta Perubahan Anggaran Dasar). This document formally records the new company name. The deed must be legalized and submitted to Kemenkumham.
Step 5: Update All Business Licenses and Documents
Once the name change is recorded, you must update all documents and registrations that carry the old name:
- NIB — update via the OSS portal
- NPWP (company and director level)
- Domicile Letter, if issued under the old name
- Business licenses tied to your KBLI activity codes
- Corporate bank account — formally notify your bank of the name change
Updating your corporate bank account is often one of the final steps in the process. To understand what is involved, read our guide on how to open and manage a corporate bank account in Indonesia for PT PMA.
常见问题
Is It Difficult to Incorporate a Company in Indonesia?
The process is more streamlined than ever before. Indonesia has digitized most of the registration workflow through the OSS system and the AHU online portal. However, for foreign investors, navigating the KBLI business codes, language requirements, and minimum capital rules can still be complex. Working with a qualified business consultant helps you avoid common mistakes and significantly reduces processing time.
What Are Some Things to Take Note of in Indonesia?
A few key points to keep in mind:
- KBLI codes define what business activities your PT PMA is legally permitted to perform. Selecting the wrong code can limit your operations or require an expensive amendment later.
- Minimum capital stands at IDR 2.5 billion paid-up, effective under 2025 regulations.
- Director residency — at least one director must reside in Indonesia. Foreign directors need an Investor KITAS and a corporate NPWP.
- Virtual offices are accepted as a registered business address for PT PMA in most regions. Choosing the right office setup from the start can impact your compliance. Learn more in our article on virtual vs. physical office for your PT PMA.
Why Should I Incorporate My Company in Indonesia?
Indonesia is the largest economy in Southeast Asia, with a population exceeding 280 million people and a rapidly growing middle class. As a PT PMA, you gain the legal right to generate revenue, hire staff, invoice local clients, and operate under full legal protection — all while maintaining foreign ownership in most sectors.
Is It Beneficial to Set Up a Company in Indonesia?
Yes — particularly for businesses with long-term regional goals. A PT PMA gives you:
- Legal revenue generation in the Indonesian market
- Visa sponsorship capability — you can sponsor Investor KITAS for foreign directors and key personnel
- Import and export licenses, where applicable to your business activities
- Full brand control — your company name and assets are legally yours
- Access to government contracts and tenders, which are often restricted to locally registered entities
The regulatory environment has also improved significantly. The OSS system has shortened registration timelines, and e-government platforms have made compliance far more transparent for foreign investors.
Ready to Register or Rename Your PT PMA in Indonesia?
Selecting the right company name is one of the first — and most consequential — steps in your Indonesian business journey. Whether you are starting from scratch or updating an existing structure, getting the name right from the start saves you time, legal fees, and unnecessary setbacks.
EZPZ Indonesia provides end-to-end company registration and amendment services for PT PMA owners. Our team handles everything from name availability checks and notarial processes to OSS licensing, NIB acquisition, and ongoing compliance support — so you can focus on growing your business. Explore Our Company Registration Services and start your Indonesia business journey the right way.
