Work KITAS for Multinationals
in Jakarta: Regulations & Obstacles
Managing foreign employees in Indonesia requires more than just obtaining a KITAS. For multinational companies in Jakarta, the full chain — RPTKA, IMTA, and KITAS — must be navigated carefully to keep both the company and its foreign staff legally protected.
The Legal Framework
The employment of foreign nationals in Indonesia is governed by Government Regulation No. 34/2021 on the Employment of Foreign Workers, alongside implementing regulations from the Ministry of Manpower (Kemenaker). Every step requires coordination between the company, Kemenaker, the Ministry of Law, and the Directorate General of Immigration.
Step 1: RPTKA — Manpower Utilisation Plan
Before any foreign employee can be placed on a Work KITAS, the sponsoring company must first obtain RPTKA approval from Kemenaker. The RPTKA details the positions, duration, and Indonesian counterparts (pendamping) who will be trained. RPTKA approval must be secured before the IMTA can be applied for.
Step 2: IMTA — Work Permit
Once RPTKA is approved, the company can apply for the IMTA for each individual foreign employee. The IMTA also requires payment of the Skill Development Fund (DKPTKA) — currently USD 100 per foreign worker per month, payable in advance.
Common Obstacles for Multinationals
- Short-notice postings: The full RPTKA → IMTA → KITAS chain typically takes 4–8 weeks from scratch — planning ahead is essential
- DKPTKA payment delays: The USD 100/month skill fund must be paid before the IMTA is issued. Delays directly delay the KITAS
- Renewal gaps: Allowing a Work KITAS to lapse puts the employee in illegal status. Renewals should begin at least 60 days before expiry
Our consultants can advise on your specific situation — free first consultation, no obligation.