Natural Science R&D
Penelitian dan Pengembangan Ilmu Alam
🔬 Section M — Professional, Scientific & Technical
Natural science research and development — conducting research in biology, chemistry, physics, earth sciences, marine science, environmental science, agricultural science, and related natural science disciplines. This covers pure research, observational studies, field research, laboratory analysis, and applied research that generates new knowledge or validates existing theories. You're running a research lab, conducting scientific studies, or providing R&D services to clients.
What You Need
PP28/2025 Licensing Data2 scales
Requirements (Indonesian)3
Post-License Obligations5
Small + Medium scales
Medium-High risk (Menengah Tinggi). NIB + Sertifikat Standar within 7 working days. Authority: Bupati/Walikota (district/city level).
Large scale
Medium-High risk (Menengah Tinggi). NIB + Sertifikat Standar within 7 working days. Authority: Gubernur (Governor, provincial level).
Step-by-step for a PT PMA natural science R&D lab
- Protected species research — KLHK (Ministry of Environment and Forestry) permit for research involving protected flora/fauna
- Marine research — KKP (Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries) permit for marine/coastal research
- Foreign collaboration — MOU with Indonesian research institution often required for foreign-led research
Typical total timeline
2–4 months from PT PMA to operational research facility (NIB + SS is fast; timeline driven by lab setup and permit acquisition).
Minimum PT PMA capital
IDR 10 billion stated capital (Rp 2.5B paid-up).
Authority
Bupati/Walikota (Small/Medium) · Gubernur (Large).
Fully open (Terbuka) — 100% foreign ownership.
New code in KBLI 2025 — natural science R&D was previously part of broader research categories in KBLI 2020. The 2025 classification separates natural science research (72101) from experimental research (72109) and social science research (72201), recognizing the distinct regulatory needs of each discipline.
Bali Intelligence
�� Natural Science Research in Bali (Active Academic and Applied Scene)
- Bali hosts active natural science research across multiple disciplines: marine biology (coral reef studies, fisheries), tropical biodiversity (endemic species, conservation), sustainable agriculture (rice cultivation, organic farming), volcanic geology (Mt Batur, Mt Agung monitoring), and environmental science (water quality, pollution studies)
- International research presence: Universities and research institutions from Australia, Europe, Japan, and the US regularly conduct research in Bali, often in partnership with Indonesian institutions (Udayana University, LIPI/BRIN field stations)
- Marine science hub: Bali's coral reefs and marine ecosystems attract significant research attention; Pemuteran, Amed, and Nusa Penida are active research sites
💡 PMA Opportunities in This Sector
- Marine conservation R&D: Research lab focused on coral restoration, marine biodiversity, sustainable fisheries — serving both academic clients and conservation NGOs
- Agricultural biotech: Applied research on tropical crops, sustainable farming methods, organic agriculture — Bali's rice terraces and agricultural traditions provide rich research opportunities
- Environmental monitoring: Water quality testing, pollution analysis, environmental impact assessments for development projects — steady commercial demand
- Contract research services: Providing R&D services to international companies (pharma, agri-biotech, environmental tech) using Bali as a tropical research base
⚠ Critical Points for Foreign Researchers
- MOU with Indonesian institution often required: Foreign-led research typically requires a Memorandum of Understanding with an Indonesian university or research institute; this is not always a formal legal requirement but is strongly expected by authorities
- Protected species permits are strict: Research involving protected flora or fauna (e.g., jalak bali, sea turtles, certain orchids) requires KLHK clearance; enforcement is real, especially in conservation areas
- Marine research permits: Coastal and marine research requires KKP coordination; this includes coral studies, fisheries research, and oceanographic work
- BRIN registration recommended: While not mandatory for commercial R&D, registering with BRIN provides institutional legitimacy and facilitates collaboration with Indonesian researchers
- 7 working days is manageable: Unlike experimental research (72109) which can take 30 days for high-risk activities, pure natural science research has a straightforward 7-day approval timeline
- 72109 — Experimental natural science R&D — if you conduct laboratory experiments with controlled substances, biohazards, or GMOs (not just observational research)
- 72201 — Social science research — if you also conduct social/cultural research alongside natural science work
- 71200 — Technical testing and analysis — if you provide commercial testing services (water testing, soil analysis, materials testing)
- 74901 — Environmental consulting — if you provide environmental impact assessment services based on your research
- 85421 — Higher education (university) — if you operate a research institute that also provides academic training
Related Codes
Engineering & Technology R&D
Penelitian dan Pengembangan Enjinering dan Teknologi
Medical Science R&D
Penelitian dan Pengembangan Ilmu Kedokteran dan
Biotechnology R&D
Penelitian dan Pengembangan Bioteknologi
Agricultural & Fisheries R&D
Penelitian dan Pengembangan Ilmu Pertanian dan
Penelitian dan Pengembangan Ketenaganukliran
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Other Natural Science R&D
Penelitian dan Pengembangan Eksperimental Ilmu Alam