Harmonization of Central and Local Regulations on Building Approval (PBG) in Indonesia: A Case Study of Tangerang City

Abstract

The implementation of Building Approval (Persetujuan Bangunan Gedung – PBG), mandated by Law No. 11/2020 on Job Creation and Government Regulation No. 16/2021, has established a standardized licensing mechanism for construction activities across Indonesia. However, the transition from the former Building Permit (Izin Mendirikan Bangunan – IMB) to PBG has presented significant challenges at the local level, particularly in Tangerang City, where local bylaws remain only partially aligned with national legislation. This study aims to examine the harmonization between central and local regulations, identify inconsistencies, and analyze their implications for legal certainty and public service delivery. Utilizing a normative juridical method combined with case study analysis, the research reveals that fragmented regulatory frameworks hinder the efficiency of administrative services, generate overlapping authorities, and weaken legal clarity. The findings underscore the need for coherent regulatory drafting, improved institutional capacity at the local level, and participatory governance mechanisms to ensure effective implementation of PBG. By offering both theoretical insights and practical policy recommendations, this study contributes to the broader discourse on regulatory governance in decentralized systems and highlights pathways for enhancing legal certainty and service quality in Indonesia’s building sector.