What documents are required to register a yayasan in Indonesia and how long does the process take?

To establish a foundation, you need to prepare documents, draft a Deed of Establishment at a notary (including a name check on AHU Online), submit a request for approval to the Ministry of Law (Kemenkum) (usually through a notary), and obtain a Decree (SK) from the Ministry of Law and an announcement in the State Gazette. Key preparations include identifying documents for the foundation's organ (Founder, Patron, Manager, Supervisor) and proof of initial assets of at least IDR 10 miliion. If you are willing, please contact us through Lawzana. Thank you.

Foreigners or foreigners together with Indonesian citizens may establish foundations. Foundations established by foreigners or foreigners together with Indonesian citizens are subject to the provisions of Government Regulation No. 63/2008 and its amendments, as well as other applicable laws and regulations, such as those relating to immigration or employment. Foreign individuals who wish to establish a foundation must meet the following document requirements: the identity of the founder, as evidenced by a valid passport; separation of part of the founder's personal assets to be used as the foundation's initial assets, with a minimum value of IDR 100 million, as evidenced by a statement from the founder regarding the validity of these assets; and a statement from the founder that the activities of the foundation will not harm the Indonesian people, nation, or state. Thank you.

Regarding your queries, please find below several key points that need to be considered prior to establishing a foundation in Indonesia:

The foundation must be established by a notarial deed in the Indonesian language, containing the Articles of Association and other information as required under Article 9 paragraph (2) in conjunction with Article 14 paragraphs (1)–(3) of Law No. 16 of 2001 on Foundations (“Foundation Law”).

The founder must set aside an initial asset with a minimum value of IDR 10,000,000 if the founder is an Indonesian citizen.

The notary shall submit the application for legal entity approval to the Minister of Law and Human Rights.

The Minister shall grant or reject the approval no later than 30 days from the date a complete application is received.

Once approved as a legal entity, the deed of establishment must be announced in the Supplement to the State Gazette of the Republic of Indonesia.

With respect to the composition of the management, generally the management may consist of any legally capable individual without nationality restrictions, as stipulated under Article 31 paragraph (2) of the Foundation Law. However, specific restrictions apply if the foundation is established by a foreign national or jointly with a foreign national, whereby at least one of the chairperson, secretary, or treasurer must be an Indonesian citizen, and any foreign management member must hold a valid work permit/activity permit and a temporary stay permit.

Regarding reporting obligations, there are several types of reports required, one of which is the obligation of the management to prepare an annual report and financial statements to be approved by the Board of Trustees’ meeting.

Furthermore, aside from notarial fees for establishment and official approval fees, additional costs may arise if a mandatory audit and publication of financial statements are required, including fees for public accountant services and newspaper advertisements.