In Indonesia, the architectural profession is governed by a comprehensive framework of laws and regulations designed to ensure that architectural practices meet standards of safety, functionality, and cultural appropriateness. Key components of this framework include:

This law provides a legal foundation for the architectural profession in Indonesia, aiming to:

• Offer legal certainty for architects.
• Protect clients and the public in architectural practices.
• Guide the development of a competitive and skilled architectural profession.
• Enhance architects' contributions to national development through advancements in science, technology, and art.
• Promote environmentally sustainable development while preserving Indonesian culture and civilization.

The law defines architectural practice as activities that produce architectural works, including planning, design, supervision, and review of buildings and their environments. It also outlines the scope of services, performance standards, and the rights and obligations of architects.

Serving as an implementing regulation of Law No. 6 of 2017, GR 15/2021 provides detailed provisions, including:

• Architects’ Performance Standards: Benchmarks ensuring efficiency, effectiveness, and quality in architectural services.
• Scope of Architectural Services: Encompasses initial studies, design, preservation, layout planning, preparation of technical documents, and supervision of architectural aspects during construction.
• Architect’s Registration Certificate (Surat Tanda Registrasi Arsitek - STRA): Requirements for obtaining the STRA, which is mandatory for providing architectural services.

This law regulates building construction to ensure:

• Functionality and suitability with spatial planning.
• Technical reliability concerning safety, health, comfort, and convenience.
• Legal certainty in building management.

It specifies requirements for building functions, administrative and technical aspects, and management, including construction permits and building ownership status. IIBH

Issued to simplify and amend previous regulations on building construction, GR 16/2021 introduces:

• Building Approval (Persetujuan Bangunan Gedung - PBG): Replaces the former Building Permit (Izin Mendirikan Bangunan - IMB), focusing on both construction and the lawful use of buildings throughout their lifespan.
• Categorization of Buildings: Defines general buildings, heritage buildings, special-purpose buildings, green buildings, and state buildings, each with specific technical standards.

Local governments in Indonesia have the authority to enact regional regulations that carry the force of law within their respective regions. These regulations must align with national laws and are intended to address specific local needs and conditions. For instance, the province of Aceh uses “qanun” to refer to its regional regulations, which include provisions of Islamic law.

Architects practicing in Indonesia must comply with these national and regional regulations to ensure their work adheres to legal standards and contributes positively to the built environment.