IMB (the pre-2021 building permit)

In one sentence. The building permit in force until 2021; replaced by the PBG, but buildings older than five years still carry an IMB in their files.

IMB (Izin Mendirikan Bangunan) was the building permit issued before the Cipta Kerja law and PP 16/2021 took effect. Since 2021 new buildings receive a PBG; previously issued IMBs remain valid for the buildings they covered.

On the resale market this means a 2015 villa will have an IMB, not a PBG, and that is normal. Three checks: the IMB covers this building (area and storeys), the building has not been extended beyond the permit, and an SLF exists — older buildings often lack one and must obtain it before commercial rental.

If the seller of a new build shows an "IMB", that is a red flag: no such document has been issued since 2021.

Updated: 2026-09-20. Not a public offer. Regulations change — we cite enacted acts only and update the entry when they do.

Read more in the blog

Related terms

We'll match a villa to your brief