Social Science R&D
Penelitian dan Pengembangan Ilmu Pengetahuan Sosial
🔬 Section M — Professional, Scientific & Technical
Social science and humanities research — conducting research in economics, sociology, anthropology, psychology, political science, law, history, linguistics, cultural studies, and related social science disciplines. This covers qualitative research, quantitative social research, ethnographic studies, policy research, and applied social science that generates insights into human behavior, social structures, and cultural phenomena. You're running a social research consultancy, conducting academic studies, or providing research services to clients.
What You Need
BPS_ONLY code — no per_skala data in KBLI 2025 JSON. This means the OSS licensing pathway is not yet fully defined. Expect NIB-only registration for now, with detailed licensing requirements to be clarified by BPS or relevant ministries.
Critical non-OSS requirement: Ethical Clearance Social science research involving human subjects (surveys, interviews, ethnographic studies, psychological research) requires Ethical Clearance from a recognized ethics committee. This is NOT regulated through OSS — it's a separate prerequisite.
Step-by-step for a PT PMA social science research consultancy
- University ethics committee — if affiliated with an Indonesian university, obtain clearance from their ethics board
- Independent ethics committee — if not university-affiliated, seek clearance from a recognized independent ethics committee (e.g., hospital ethics board, professional association ethics committee)
- Foreign ethics clearance — if research is part of an international study, foreign ethics clearance may be accepted, but Indonesian clearance is strongly recommended
- Foreign researcher permits — if employing foreign researchers, coordinate with RISTEK (Ministry of Research and Technology) or relevant ministry
- Data collection permits — some provinces or districts require permits for large-scale surveys or data collection activities
Typical total timeline
2–3 months from PT PMA to operational research consultancy (NIB is fast; timeline driven by ethics clearance and institutional setup).
Minimum PT PMA capital
IDR 10 billion stated capital (Rp 2.5B paid-up).
Authority
TBD (BPS_ONLY code — licensing pathway not fully defined).
Fully open (Terbuka) — 100% foreign ownership.
New code in KBLI 2025 — social science research was previously part of broader research categories in KBLI 2020. The 2025 classification separates social science research (72201) from natural science research (72101) and experimental research (72109), recognizing the distinct methodologies and regulatory needs of social science disciplines.
Bali Intelligence
📊 Social Science Research in Bali (Active International and Academic Scene)
- Bali is a major hub for social science research, particularly in tourism studies, cultural anthropology, sustainable development, community-based conservation, and social entrepreneurship
- International research presence: Universities and research institutions from Australia, Europe, North America, and Asia regularly conduct social science research in Bali, often in partnership with Udayana University or local NGOs
- Tourism research: Bali's tourism industry attracts significant research attention — overtourism, sustainable tourism, community impacts, cultural commodification
- Cultural and anthropological research: Bali's unique Hindu culture, traditional governance (banjar system), and cultural preservation efforts are active research areas
💡 PMA Opportunities in This Sector
- Tourism research consultancy: Market research, visitor studies, sustainable tourism planning, community impact assessments — serving hotels, government, and NGOs
- Social impact research: Research on community development, social entrepreneurship, poverty alleviation, education outcomes — serving international development organizations
- Consumer research: Market research, consumer behavior studies, brand research — serving commercial clients in Indonesia
- Policy research: Research on governance, public policy, regulatory impact — serving government agencies and international organizations
⚠ Critical Points for Social Science Researchers
- Ethical Clearance is mandatory for human subjects research: Do not conduct surveys, interviews, or ethnographic studies without ethical clearance; this is a non-negotiable requirement in academic and professional research
- BPS_ONLY code means uncertainty: 72201 is a new code without fully defined OSS licensing; expect NIB-only for now, with detailed licensing requirements to emerge as BPS clarifies the pathway
- Institutional affiliation helps: Social science research is easier to permit and more credible if you have an MOU with an Indonesian university or research institution
- Foreign researcher permits: If employing foreign researchers (TKA), coordinate with RISTEK or relevant ministry — foreign social science researchers are generally welcomed but require proper permits
- Data privacy compliance: If collecting personal data, ensure compliance with Indonesian data protection regulations (UU PDP)
- 72101 — Natural science research — if you also conduct environmental or ecological research alongside social science work
- 74100 — Business and management consulting — if you provide consulting services based on your research findings
- 74901 — Environmental consulting — if you conduct social impact assessments for environmental projects
- 85421 — Higher education (university) — if you operate a research institute that also provides academic training
- 63111 — Data processing and hosting — if you operate a data center for research data storage and analysis
Related Codes
Humanities R&D
Penelitian dan Pengembangan Humaniora
Lawyer / Attorney
Aktivitas Pengacara
Legal Consultant
Aktivitas Konsultan Hukum
Intellectual Property Consultant
Aktivitas Konsultan Kekayaan Intelektual
Notary & Land Deed Official
Aktivitas Notaris dan Pejabat Pembuat Akta Tanah
Accounting, Bookkeeping & Auditing
Aktivitas Akuntansi, Pembukuan, dan Pemeriksa