Licensing Controversy Surrounds Dusun The Villas Accommodation Facility in Semarang Regency
SEMARANG – The licensing controversy surrounding Dusun The Villas, an accommodation facility within the Dusun Semilir tourism complex in Bawen District, Semarang Regency, has recently come under scrutiny. Circulating reports suggest that the villas have yet to obtain full permits despite already being operational and receiving guests.
In response, Dusun Semilir's management has spoken out. Legal and QA Manager Shenita Dwiyansany explained that the licensing process had been undertaken but was hampered by regulatory issues.
According to her, the villa permit was initially submitted through the OSS (Online Single Submission) system under the Indonesian Standard Industrial Classification (KBLI) category for villas. However, the system rejected the application as villas were categorised as private residences, whereas Dusun The Villas operates as a lodging facility within a commercial zone rather than a residential dwelling.
"Because of this, we were directed by the Central Java Provincial DPMPTSP [Investment and One-Stop Integrated Services Office], along with the Tourism Office, Public Works and Housing, and Environmental Affairs, to change our Business Identification Number (NIB) classification to a star-rated hotel. We followed this guidance even though our concept is essentially a villa — it is a matter of regulatory adjustment," said Shenita on Monday (26/5/2025).
She added that Dusun Semilir had also filed a judicial review of the regulation, which it considers insufficiently aligned with conditions on the ground. According to Shenita, Dusun Semilir remains compliant with regulations and is committed to completing all supporting permits in stages.
"The process is indeed ongoing, and we routinely pay taxes for both the hotel and restaurant operations," she said.
Semarang Regency DPRD Chairman Bondan Marutohening confirmed that his office, through Commission C, had initiated preliminary communications regarding the matter. He urged the relevant agencies to promptly coordinate a meeting to resolve the licensing issues.
"Together with the executive branch, we are still evaluating the existing permits, identifying the problems and finding solutions. The recent controversy at Dusun Semilir, along with other cases, we are reviewing, and we need to coordinate with DPMPTSP first," he said.
In response, Dusun Semilir's management has spoken out. Legal and QA Manager Shenita Dwiyansany explained that the licensing process had been undertaken but was hampered by regulatory issues.
According to her, the villa permit was initially submitted through the OSS (Online Single Submission) system under the Indonesian Standard Industrial Classification (KBLI) category for villas. However, the system rejected the application as villas were categorised as private residences, whereas Dusun The Villas operates as a lodging facility within a commercial zone rather than a residential dwelling.
"Because of this, we were directed by the Central Java Provincial DPMPTSP [Investment and One-Stop Integrated Services Office], along with the Tourism Office, Public Works and Housing, and Environmental Affairs, to change our Business Identification Number (NIB) classification to a star-rated hotel. We followed this guidance even though our concept is essentially a villa — it is a matter of regulatory adjustment," said Shenita on Monday (26/5/2025).
She added that Dusun Semilir had also filed a judicial review of the regulation, which it considers insufficiently aligned with conditions on the ground. According to Shenita, Dusun Semilir remains compliant with regulations and is committed to completing all supporting permits in stages.
"The process is indeed ongoing, and we routinely pay taxes for both the hotel and restaurant operations," she said.
Semarang Regency DPRD Chairman Bondan Marutohening confirmed that his office, through Commission C, had initiated preliminary communications regarding the matter. He urged the relevant agencies to promptly coordinate a meeting to resolve the licensing issues.
"Together with the executive branch, we are still evaluating the existing permits, identifying the problems and finding solutions. The recent controversy at Dusun Semilir, along with other cases, we are reviewing, and we need to coordinate with DPMPTSP first," he said.