Indonesia
The digital economy in Indonesia is among the fastest-growing in the world, propelled by widespread internet adoption and a booming startup ecosystem. The government’s support for digital infrastructure and innovation, coupled with a large online consumer base, presents vast opportunities in fintech, e-commerce, edtech, and other digital services.
Get comprehensive payroll, income tax, BPJS, work permit, and employment law insights for Indonesia. Expert compliance support for business expansion.
1. Introduction to Indonesia
2. Setting Up a Business
3. Employment Practices
4. Taxation & Social Security
5. Payroll Operations
6. Hiring & Termination
7. Compensation & Benefits
8. Visas & Work Permits
9. Location-Specific Considerations
1. Introduction to Indonesia
Doing Business in Indonesia
Indonesia is Southeast Asia’s largest economy, offering vast opportunities across manufacturing, digital technology, and energy sectors. It benefits from a young population, strategic location, and government incentives, although bureaucracy and regulatory complexity remain challenges.
Basic Facts about Indonesia
Full Name: | Republic of Indonesia |
Population: | 277.5 million (2023) |
Capital: | Jakarta |
Major Language(s): | Indonesian |
Major Religion(s): | Islam |
Monetary Unit: | Rupiah (IDR) |
Main Exports: | Oil, gas, palm oil, coal, electrical appliances |
GNI Per Capita: | USD $4,800 (2023) |
Internet Domain: | .id |
International Dialing Code: | +62 |
Common Phrases (Indonesia – Bahasa Indonesia)
Hello: Halo
Good Morning: Selamat pagi
Good Evening: Selamat malam
Do you speak English?: Apakah Anda bisa berbahasa Inggris?
Goodbye: Selamat tinggal / Sampai jumpa
Thank you: Terima kasih
See you later: Sampai nanti
2. Setting Up a Business
Registrations and Establishing an Entity
- Foreign companies must form a PMA (foreign-owned) company
- In-principle approval from BKPM required
- 4–8 weeks to establish after approvals
- Required filings: articles of association, notarial deeds, licenses, tax registration
Banking
- Local bank account not required by law, but strongly advised for compliance and audit
- Bank hours: Mon–Fri, 8:00–15:00
3. Employment Practices
Working Week
- 5 or 6-day weeks, capped at 40 hours/week
- Overtime max: 4 hours/day, 18 hours/week
Holiday Accrual
- 12 paid leave days after 1 year of service
- Additional personal leave (e.g. marriage, bereavement, religious events)
Maternity Leave
- 3 months total: 6 weeks pre- and 6 weeks post-birth
- Paid at full salary
- Miscarriage: 1.5 months
- Breastfeeding breaks allowed up to age 2
Paternity Leave
- 2 paid days
Sick Leave
- Full salary: first 4 months
- 75%: months 5–8
- 50%: months 9–12
- 25%: after 12 months
- Menstrual leave: 2 days/month
National Service
- No mandatory conscription; subject to activation only during national emergencies
4. Taxation & Social Security
Tax Year
January 1 – December 31
Income Tax
- Tax residency triggered after 183 days in-country
- Effective Tax Rate (ETR) introduced in 2024 (monthly-based)
- Monthly ETR varies by marital status and income band
Social Security Contributions (BPJS) Employer:
- Death: 0.3%, Accident: 0.24–1.74%, Old age: 3.7%, Pension: 2%, Health: 4%
Employee:
- Old age: 2%, Pension: 1%, Health: 1%
Wage caps apply to each component
5. Payroll Operations
Payroll
- Paid monthly (last working day)
- 13th and 14th month bonuses (THR) required
Reports
- Monthly: Employee tax (by 10th), payment (by 20th)
- Annual: Income reporting, due 3 months post-year end
- Records must be retained for 5 years (10 years if pre-2009)
Leavers
- Permanent: Compensation varies by reason
- Contract: Paid prorated severance under PKWT formula
6. Hiring & Termination
New Employees
- Registration with tax and social authorities required
- Must be declared on payroll
Leavers
- Permanent: Compensation varies by reason
- Contract: Paid prorated severance under PKWT formula
7. Compensation & Benefits
Employee Benefits
- THR (Religious Holiday Bonus): 1 month salary if >12 months service
- Pro-rated THR for 3–12 months tenure
- Minimum wage varies by province
Expenses
- Most benefits taxable under 2023 regulations
- Reimbursements need proper documentation to avoid tax
8. Visas & Work Permits
Permits Types:
- Business Visa (non-working)
- VITAS/KITAS (work and residency)
- Investor KITAS (for shareholders)
- IMTA: Mandatory work permit filed by employer
Requirements:
- Passport, medical/criminal checks, job contract, sponsor letter
- Processing time: 1+ week
9. Location-Specific Considerations
- Benefits-in-kind heavily regulated for tax purposes
- Labor laws updated under Job Creation Law (2024 ruling)
- Social security participation mandatory for all employees
- Books must be kept in IDR and Indonesian (unless exempted)
Further Information For more information, or assistance with Indonesia tax enquiries please contact: gi@activpayroll.com
About This Payroll and Tax Overview Please note that this document gives general guidance only and should not be regarded as an authoritative or complete statement of the law, regulations or tax position in any country. You should always seek specific advice for each specific situation. This document should not be relied upon as professional advice and activpayroll accepts no liability for reliance on its contents.
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