KBLI 2025 Guide: Business Classification Codes and OSS Registration in Indonesia

If you are establishing a business in Indonesia, adding a new business activity to an existing company, or applying for a business license through the Online Single Submission (OSS) system, one of the first things you will encounter is the term KBLI.

KBLI stands for Klasifikasi Baku Lapangan Usaha Indonesia, or the Indonesian Standard Classification of Business Fields.

In simple terms, KBLI is Indonesia’s official system for classifying economic and business activities.

However, choosing a KBLI is not merely an administrative step.

The KBLI selected for a business can affect its registration, Business Identification Number (NIB), risk classification, licensing requirements, supporting business licenses, location requirements, and other regulatory obligations.

For foreign investment companies, the KBLI can also affect whether the business activity is open to foreign investment and whether additional investment requirements apply.

Indonesia introduced KBLI 2025 as an update to KBLI 2020. The new classification reflects changes in Indonesia’s economy, including the development of digital business models, new economic activities, and changes in the way certain industries are classified.

For existing businesses, this also means that a KBLI 2020 code cannot always be assumed to remain exactly the same under KBLI 2025.

Some codes remain unchanged. Others have changed, been split into several new classifications, merged with other classifications, or reorganized.

This guide explains how KBLI 2025 works, how to choose the appropriate KBLI for your business, how KBLI interacts with the OSS risk-based licensing system, and what existing companies should consider when transitioning from KBLI 2020 to KBLI 2025.

What Is KBLI?

KBLI is Indonesia’s national standard for classifying economic activities.

The classification is issued by Badan Pusat Statistik (BPS), or Statistics Indonesia, and is used to provide a standardized framework for identifying different types of economic activities conducted in Indonesia.

The current KBLI 2025 framework was established under BPS Regulation No. 7 of 2025 concerning the Indonesian Standard Classification of Business Fields.

KBLI is used not only for statistical purposes but also as an important reference within Indonesia’s business administration and licensing framework.

When a business registers its activities through OSS, its activities are identified using the relevant KBLI codes.

For example, a company operating a restaurant, providing management consulting services, conducting wholesale trade, developing software, operating accommodation, or carrying out construction activities will generally have different KBLI classifications.

This is why identifying the correct KBLI should be one of the first steps when planning a business in Indonesia.

Check KBLI 2025

What Is KBLI 2025?

KBLI 2025 is the latest version of Indonesia’s standard classification of economic activities.

It replaces the previous KBLI 2020 classification.

The update was introduced to ensure that Indonesia’s classification system continues to reflect developments and shifts in economic activities.

The economy has changed significantly since previous classifications were developed.

Digital platforms, technology services, content production, intermediation services, new trading models, and activities associated with the modern digital economy have become increasingly important.

At the same time, changes relating to environmental sustainability and climate mitigation have created economic activities that may require more specific classifications.

KBLI 2025 therefore does more than simply rename existing business codes.

In some cases, the underlying structure of the classification has changed.

For businesses, this means that determining the correct KBLI 2025 code requires reviewing the actual description and scope of the activity rather than relying solely on the company’s previous KBLI 2020 code.

Who Needs to Use KBLI?

KBLI is not specifically a PT PMA or foreign investment classification.

It is a general business classification system used across Indonesia.

Depending on the applicable registration and licensing framework, KBLI may be relevant to:

• Indonesian limited liability companies (PT);
• Domestic investment companies (PT PMDN);
• Foreign investment companies (PT PMA);
• Individual businesses;
• Cooperatives;
• Partnerships and other business entities; and
• Other business undertakings registered through the applicable government systems.

This distinction is important.

A KBLI code describes what business activity is conducted.

It does not, by itself, determine whether the owner is Indonesian or foreign.

However, once the business structure is known, additional rules may apply to a particular KBLI.

For example, a particular activity may be available to an Indonesian-owned company but subject to foreign ownership restrictions when conducted by a PT PMA.

Therefore, KBLI classification and investment status are connected but separate concepts.

Why Is Choosing the Correct KBLI Important?

The KBLI selected by a business can affect several aspects of its legal and licensing structure.

Most importantly, KBLI identifies the activities that the business intends to conduct.

This information is then used within the OSS system to determine the regulatory framework applicable to those activities.

Depending on the KBLI, the system may identify:

• The risk classification of the business activity;
• The type of business licensing required;
• Applicable Standard Certificates;
• Supporting business licenses;
• Technical requirements;
• Business scale requirements;
• Sector-specific obligations;
• Location-related requirements; and
• Other regulatory conditions.

For PT PMA companies, KBLI can also be relevant when determining foreign investment eligibility and investment requirements.

Choosing the wrong KBLI can therefore create consequences beyond simply having an inaccurate business description.

A mismatch between the registered KBLI and the company’s actual activities may cause difficulties during licensing, regulatory inspections, corporate due diligence, banking procedures, investment reporting, or applications for additional operational approvals.

Understanding the KBLI Classification Structure

KBLI uses a hierarchical classification system.

Rather than treating every economic activity as an isolated code, related activities are grouped together from broad categories into increasingly specific classifications.

At the highest level, KBLI 2025 contains categories identified by letters.

The OSS KBLI 2025 database currently presents 22 business categories, from Category A through Category V.

These include agriculture, mining, manufacturing, construction, trade, transportation, accommodation and food services, information-related activities, financial activities, real estate, professional services, education, healthcare, arts and recreation, and other economic sectors.

Below the category level, classifications become progressively more specific.

Category

The category is the broadest classification.

For example:

Category F covers Construction.

Category G covers Wholesale and Retail Trade.

Category I covers Accommodation and Food Service Activities.

Category M covers Real Estate Activities.

Category N covers Professional, Scientific and Technical Activities.

Two-Digit Classification

The two-digit classification identifies a broad division within a category.

Three-Digit Classification

The three-digit classification further narrows the activity into a more specific group.

Four-Digit Classification

The four-digit classification provides another level of detail within the business group.

Five-Digit KBLI Code

The five-digit code identifies the specific business classification used for a particular activity.

For licensing purposes, this five-digit classification is particularly important.

However, businesses should not choose a five-digit KBLI simply because its title sounds similar to their activity.

The description and scope of the KBLI should also be reviewed.

How to Find the Correct KBLI Code

Choosing the right KBLI should begin with the company’s actual business model.

A useful starting question is:

What exactly will the company do to generate revenue?

This is more useful than asking what industry the company generally operates in.

For example, a company involved in the property industry could potentially conduct very different activities:

• Property development;
• Real estate brokerage;
• Property management;
• Construction;
• Building rental;
• Accommodation management; or
• Business consulting for property owners.

Although all of these activities relate broadly to property, they do not necessarily fall under the same KBLI.

The same applies to technology businesses.

A company may describe itself as a “technology company,” but its actual revenue may come from software development, software retail, IT consulting, hosting, digital platforms, advertising, or another activity.

Each may require a different classification.

Step 1: Identify the Actual Business Activity

Write down what the company will actually do.

Avoid using overly broad descriptions such as:

“Consulting”

“Trading”

“Technology”

“Property”

“Tourism”

Instead, identify the specific service, product, or transaction that generates revenue.

Step 2: Search by Relevant Keywords

Search the KBLI database using terms that accurately describe the activity.

You may need to try several related terms.

Step 3: Read the Full KBLI Description

Do not stop after finding a title that appears relevant.

Read the description carefully.

The scope may include or exclude activities that are important to your business.

Step 4: Check the Scope of Activity

Within OSS, a KBLI may contain one or more specific scopes of activity.

These scopes can be important because different scopes may be connected to different risk levels or licensing requirements.

Step 5: Review Licensing Requirements

After identifying the likely KBLI, review its licensing requirements.

The correct question is not only:

“Does this KBLI describe my business?”

You should also ask:

“What licenses and obligations will apply if I use this KBLI?”

Can One Company Have Multiple KBLI Codes?

Yes.

A company can generally have multiple KBLI codes if it intends to conduct multiple business activities.

For example, a company might conduct both management consulting and another service activity.

Another company may operate several related activities within the hospitality sector.

However, adding as many KBLI codes as possible is not always a good strategy.

Each additional business activity can introduce additional regulatory considerations.

Depending on the KBLI, these may include:

• Different risk levels;
• Different licenses;
• Different location requirements;
• Different technical requirements;
• Different sector regulators;
• Additional reporting obligations; or
• Foreign investment restrictions.

The company’s KBLI structure should therefore reflect its actual and reasonably planned activities.

KBLI in the Company’s Deed vs KBLI in OSS

This is one of the most important concepts for businesses to understand.

For a limited liability company, business activities may be included within the company’s purposes and objectives in its Articles of Association.

However:

Having a KBLI in the company’s Deed or Articles of Association does not automatically mean that the business activity is active and fully licensed in OSS.

These are related but different stages.

A simplified structure is:

Corporate purposes and objectives → KBLI → OSS registration → NIB → Risk-Based Business License → Supporting/Operational Licenses

A company may therefore include several business activities in its corporate purposes while initially activating only the activities it is ready to operate through OSS.

Before actually conducting a particular activity, the company should ensure that the required OSS and sector-specific licensing requirements for that activity have been fulfilled.

What Is the Relationship Between KBLI and NIB?

KBLI and NIB are not the same thing.

KBLI identifies a type of business activity.

NIB (Nomor Induk Berusaha or Business Identification Number) identifies the business undertaking within Indonesia’s OSS framework.

A company may have one NIB while registering multiple business activities associated with different KBLI codes.

Therefore:

KBLI = What the business does.

NIB = Identification of the business undertaking.

This distinction is useful because business owners sometimes refer to a KBLI as if it were a license.

A KBLI is fundamentally a classification.

The licensing consequences arise when that classification is processed through the applicable business licensing framework.

KBLI and OSS Risk-Based Licensing

Indonesia operates a risk-based business licensing framework through OSS.

Under this system, the licensing requirements applicable to a business depend significantly on the level of risk associated with its activity.

This means two companies with different KBLI codes may face very different licensing requirements even if both have already obtained an NIB.

The regulatory requirements should therefore be checked for each relevant business activity.

Understanding KBLI Risk Levels

Risk-based licensing generally differentiates business activities according to their level of risk.

Low-Risk Business Activities

Low-risk activities generally have the simplest licensing process.

For applicable low-risk activities, the NIB functions as the principal business licensing instrument.

However, businesses should still verify whether additional supporting requirements apply to the activity.

Medium-Low Risk Activities

Medium-low risk activities generally involve additional requirements beyond basic business identification.

Depending on the applicable framework, the business may need a Standard Certificate in addition to the NIB.

Medium-High Risk Activities

Medium-high risk activities generally involve a higher degree of government verification or fulfillment of standards before the company can fully conduct the relevant activity.

High-Risk Activities

High-risk activities are subject to more extensive licensing requirements.

A specific business license and potentially additional technical approvals may be required before operations can commence.

The exact requirements should always be checked against the applicable KBLI and scope of activity.

Does Every KBLI Have the Same Risk Level?

No.

Risk classification depends on the particular activity and its scope.

Furthermore, a single KBLI can sometimes contain different scopes or conditions relevant to licensing.

This is another reason why simply identifying the five-digit KBLI code may not be enough.

Businesses should review:

• KBLI code;
• Description;
• Scope;
• Business scale;
• Risk level;
• Licensing requirements; and
• Supporting business licenses.

KBLI and Supporting Business Licenses

Some activities require more than a basic business license.

Depending on the sector, a company may need additional licenses or approvals related to its products or operations.

Examples may include:

• Product registration;
• Distribution authorization;
• Environmental approvals;
• Technical certificates;
• Building-related approvals;
• Sector-specific operational licenses; or
• Other permits required to support the business activity.

The OSS KBLI database can display supporting business licensing requirements associated with particular activities.

For this reason, selecting a KBLI should always be followed by reviewing the associated regulatory requirements.

KBLI and Business Location

A correct KBLI does not automatically mean that the business can operate from any location.

The proposed business location may also need to comply with spatial planning and zoning requirements.

This is especially important for activities involving physical premises, such as:

• Hotels;
• Villas and accommodation;
• Restaurants;
• Retail stores;
• Warehouses;
• Factories;
• Healthcare facilities;
• Schools;
• Construction projects; and
• Other location-dependent businesses.

A company may choose the correct KBLI but still encounter licensing problems if the location is incompatible with the intended activity.

Therefore, KBLI and location should be reviewed together.

KBLI and Spatial Planning Approval

Indonesia’s business licensing framework connects business activities with spatial planning requirements.

Depending on the location and applicable spatial planning system, a business may need to satisfy requirements relating to conformity with spatial utilization activities.

The exact process can differ depending on whether detailed spatial planning data is available for the location and on the nature of the project.

For location-dependent businesses, it is therefore advisable to check spatial planning compatibility before making major commitments to a property.

This is particularly important when purchasing land, signing a long-term lease, or developing a property for a specific commercial purpose.

KBLI and Building Approvals

The KBLI determines the company’s business activity, while building approvals concern the legality and permitted use of the physical building.

These should not be confused.

Depending on the activity, a business operating from a physical building may need to consider documents such as:

• PBG (Building Approval); and
• SLF (Certificate of Proper Function).

The intended use of the building should also be compatible with the business activity conducted there.

For example, having an accommodation-related KBLI does not automatically resolve building legality or spatial planning requirements.

Business classification, business licensing, land use, and building legality should therefore be reviewed as connected but separate compliance matters.

What Changed from KBLI 2020 to KBLI 2025?

KBLI 2025 is not merely a cosmetic update.

The official OSS conversion system recognizes several different types of changes between KBLI 2020 and KBLI 2025.

These are:

1. Unchanged — 1:1

The old code continues to be used under KBLI 2025.

However, even when the code remains the same, the wording of the title or description may have been adjusted.

Therefore, businesses should still review the KBLI 2025 description.

2. Changed — 1:1

One KBLI 2020 code corresponds to one new KBLI 2025 code.

The code, title, or scope may have changed.

3. Split — 1:N

One KBLI 2020 code has been divided into several KBLI 2025 codes.

This is particularly important for existing businesses because the company may need to determine which of the new classifications accurately reflects its actual activities.

4. Merged — N:1

Several KBLI 2020 codes have been combined into one KBLI 2025 classification.

5. Restructured — N:N

Several old classifications have been reorganized into several new classifications.

These categories demonstrate why businesses should not simply replace “2020” with “2025” and assume that the classification remains equivalent.

Example of a KBLI Being Split

The OSS conversion database provides practical examples of significant restructuring.

For example, a KBLI 2020 classification relating to certain retail activities involving mixed second-hand goods was split into multiple KBLI 2025 classifications.

Instead of a single broad classification, KBLI 2025 provides more specific codes for different types of second-hand goods.

For a business affected by this type of split, the question is no longer simply:

“What is the new number?”

The business must determine which of the new classifications corresponds to the products it actually sells.

A company may even need more than one new KBLI if its activities now fall under several separate classifications.

Example of a KBLI Code Changing

Other activities retain a one-to-one relationship but receive a new code.

For example, an activity may move from one five-digit classification under KBLI 2020 to another code under KBLI 2025 while still representing substantially related activities.

This is why the official conversion mapping is useful as a starting point.

However, the OSS conversion guidance itself emphasizes the importance of checking the description and scope of each KBLI before registering business legality.

Example of Several KBLI Codes Being Merged

KBLI 2025 can also combine several previous classifications into one new classification.

For example, the OSS database shows cases where several KBLI 2020 codes have been merged into a single KBLI 2025 code.

In these cases, the new classification may have a broader or reorganized scope.

Again, businesses should review the description rather than relying only on the conversion label.

How to Convert KBLI 2020 to KBLI 2025

The OSS system provides an official KBLI 2020 → KBLI 2025 conversion tool.

Businesses can search using:

• Their existing KBLI 2020 code; or
• Keywords describing their business activity.

The conversion system identifies whether the old classification is:

• Unchanged;
• Changed;
• Split;
• Merged; or
• Restructured.

This is the appropriate starting point when reviewing an existing company’s business classifications.

However, conversion results should not be treated as a substitute for reviewing the company’s actual business activities.

Step-by-Step: Reviewing an Existing Company’s KBLI

For an existing business, a practical review can be conducted as follows.

Step 1: List Existing KBLI Codes

Collect the KBLI codes currently appearing in:

• The company’s Articles of Association;
• NIB;
• OSS account; and
• Relevant business licenses.

Step 2: Check the Official Conversion

Search each KBLI 2020 code using the official OSS conversion database.

Identify whether the code remains unchanged or has been changed, split, merged, or restructured.

Step 3: Compare the Actual Business Activity

Do not automatically adopt every conversion result.

Compare the company’s actual activity with the descriptions of the relevant KBLI 2025 classifications.

Step 4: Review Licensing Consequences

Check whether the KBLI 2025 classification results in changes to:

• Risk level;
• Scope;
• Business scale;
• Licensing requirements; or
• Supporting licenses.

Step 5: Review Corporate Documents

For a PT, determine whether the company’s existing purposes and objectives adequately cover the intended KBLI 2025 activities.

Step 6: Update OSS Where Required

Complete the appropriate update or conversion process through OSS according to the company’s circumstances and the applicable transition mechanism.

Does Migrating to KBLI 2025 Require a Deed Amendment?

Not necessarily in every case.

Whether an amendment to the company’s Articles of Association is required depends on the relationship between the existing corporate purposes and objectives and the business activities that the company intends to conduct under KBLI 2025.

For example, if the conversion only changes the code while the underlying corporate purpose remains adequately covered, the analysis may differ from a situation where the company is adding an entirely new business activity.

An amendment may be necessary where the company’s purposes and objectives need to be changed or expanded.

Therefore, businesses should review both:

Corporate documents, and

OSS business activity data.

Changing OSS data and changing the company’s Articles of Association are related processes but should not automatically be treated as identical.

Adding a New KBLI to an Existing PT

If an existing company wants to conduct a new business activity, the first step is to determine whether the activity is already covered by its corporate purposes and objectives.

If not, the company may need to amend its Articles of Association through a shareholders’ resolution and notarial deed.

After the corporate process has been completed, the relevant activity can be processed through OSS.

The company must then fulfill the licensing requirements applicable to the new activity.

This may include:

• Updating business data;
• Adding the business activity;
• Obtaining or updating the NIB;
• Fulfilling Standard Certificate requirements;
• Obtaining sector-specific licenses; and
• Completing supporting business licenses.

KBLI for PT PMDN

A domestic investment company or PT PMDN should choose KBLI classifications that accurately reflect its activities.

The company should also review whether the activity is subject to:

• Business scale restrictions;
• MSME-related rules;
• Sector-specific licensing;
• Location requirements; or
• Other conditions.

Not every KBLI necessarily has identical requirements for every business scale.

KBLI for PT PMA

Foreign investment companies use the same KBLI classification framework, but additional investment rules may apply.

A PT PMA should check whether the intended business activity is open to foreign investment.

Depending on the sector, an activity may be:

• Open to foreign investment;
• Subject to foreign ownership limitations;
• Subject to partnership requirements;
• Allocated or reserved for certain domestic businesses; or
• Otherwise subject to specific investment conditions.

Therefore, a KBLI being available in the classification database does not automatically mean that a foreign investor can use it without restriction.

Can a PT PMA Have Multiple KBLI Codes?

Yes, where the activities are permitted.

However, each business activity should be reviewed separately for:

• Foreign investment eligibility;
• Licensing requirements;
• Investment requirements;
• Location requirements;
• Risk classification; and
• Sector-specific conditions.

The fact that one KBLI is open to foreign investment does not automatically mean that every other KBLI registered by the same company is also open.

Does Every KBLI Require IDR 10 Billion in Investment?

No.

This requirement should not be applied to all businesses simply because they use KBLI.

The foreign investment value rules are specifically relevant to PT PMA companies.

Furthermore, even for PT PMA companies, the calculation should not automatically be interpreted as “IDR 10 billion multiplied by every five-digit KBLI.”

The applicable calculation can depend on the business sector, KBLI grouping, project location, production line, and other rules.

For this reason, investment requirements should be analyzed separately from the basic KBLI classification.

Common Mistakes When Choosing a KBLI

Choosing Based Only on the KBLI Title

A title may look appropriate while the description excludes the company’s actual activity.

Always review the full description.

Selecting Too Many KBLI Codes

Adding every potentially relevant activity can unnecessarily complicate licensing and compliance.

Select activities that the company genuinely intends to conduct.

Assuming KBLI Is a Business License

KBLI is a classification.

The company must still satisfy the licensing requirements connected to that classification.

Ignoring the Scope of Activity

The scope can affect licensing requirements and risk classification.

Ignoring Location Requirements

The correct KBLI does not guarantee that the business activity is permitted at a particular location.

Assuming an NIB Means All Licenses Are Complete

An NIB is extremely important, but some business activities require additional certificates, licenses, verification, or technical approvals.

Automatically Converting KBLI 2020

If an old code has been split or restructured, selecting the correct KBLI 2025 requires reviewing what the business actually does.

Ignoring Foreign Investment Restrictions

For a PT PMA, always review whether the activity is available to foreign investment.

Practical Example: Restaurant Business

Suppose an entrepreneur wants to establish a restaurant.

The first step is not merely to select any classification containing the words “food” or “restaurant.”

The entrepreneur should identify:

1. The actual food and beverage activity;
2. The relevant KBLI 2025 classification;
3. The scope of activity;
4. The applicable risk level;
5. OSS licensing requirements;
6. Location and zoning compatibility;
7. Building requirements;
8. Supporting licenses; and
9. If foreign-owned, foreign investment eligibility.

This demonstrates how KBLI functions as the starting point of a broader licensing analysis.

Practical Example: Consulting Company

A consulting company may appear simpler, but the same principles apply.

The company should identify the exact type of consulting activity.

Management consulting may differ from IT consulting, engineering consulting, legal services, architectural services, or other professional activities.

Using a generic “consulting” classification without understanding the scope can lead to an inaccurate business structure.

Practical Example: Online and Digital Business

Digital businesses can be particularly challenging because their commercial models often combine several activities.

For example, an online platform might:

• Develop software;
• Operate a marketplace;
• Charge subscription fees;
• Provide advertising;
• Facilitate transactions;
• Sell digital products; or
• Provide consulting services.

The correct KBLI depends on what the company actually does and how it generates revenue.

KBLI 2025 is particularly relevant to modern business models because one of the objectives of the update is to better capture developments in economic activities, including the digital economy.

Practical Example: Property Business

A company operating in the property sector should distinguish between activities such as:

• Real estate development;
• Property rental;
• Brokerage;
• Property management;
• Construction;
• Accommodation; and
• Consulting.

A company owning or leasing property does not automatically mean that every activity involving the property belongs to the same KBLI.

The contractual structure and actual revenue-generating activity should be analyzed.

KBLI 2025 Checklist

Before registering or updating a business activity, check the following:

1. Actual activity

What will the business actually do?

2. Revenue source

How will the company earn money?

3. KBLI title

Does the title appear relevant?

4. KBLI description

Does the detailed description actually cover the activity?

5. Scope

Which specific scope applies?

6. Risk level

Is the activity low, medium-low, medium-high, or high risk?

7. Business scale

Are there requirements linked to the scale of the business?

8. OSS licensing

What licenses or Standard Certificates are required?

9. Supporting licenses

Are additional operational or product-related approvals required?

10. Location

Can the activity legally be conducted at the proposed location?

11. Corporate documents

For a PT, is the activity covered by the company’s purposes and objectives?

12. Foreign investment

If the company is a PT PMA, is the activity open to foreign investment?

13. Investment requirements

Does the activity trigger particular investment requirements?

14. KBLI conversion

For existing companies, how does the KBLI 2020 code correspond to KBLI 2025?

Final Thoughts

KBLI 2025 is much more than a list of business codes.

It is one of the foundations of Indonesia’s business registration and licensing framework.

The KBLI selected by a business helps determine how its activities are identified within OSS and can affect risk classification, business licensing, supporting permits, location requirements, and sector-specific obligations.

For existing companies, the transition from KBLI 2020 to KBLI 2025 also requires careful attention.

Some classifications remain unchanged, but others have changed, been split, merged, or restructured.

Therefore, businesses should not rely solely on their previous code.

The correct approach is to review:

What the company actually does → which KBLI 2025 describes that activity → what scope applies → what risk level applies → what licenses are required → whether the location is suitable → and whether additional investment or sector-specific restrictions apply.

For a limited liability company, it is equally important to distinguish between the KBLI contained within its corporate purposes and objectives and the business activities that have actually been processed and licensed through OSS.

A KBLI appearing in the company’s Deed does not automatically mean that the business activity is ready to operate.

Similarly, obtaining an NIB does not always mean that every licensing requirement has been completed.

Businesses establishing new operations, adding activities, or migrating from KBLI 2020 should therefore review the corporate and licensing implications together.

Doing so at the beginning is significantly easier than correcting an inappropriate KBLI after the company has already entered into contracts, leased premises, invested in equipment, or commenced operations.