Observer Calls NIB-KBLI Requirement for Foreign OTAs a Policy Innovation

Jakarta (ANTARA) - Public policy observer from Trisakti University, Trubus Rahadiansyah, has assessed that the obligation for foreign online travel agent (OTA) platforms to possess a Business Identification Number (NIB) and Indonesian Standard Industrial Classification (KBLI) is a government policy innovation. “This obligation is an important step to ensure these foreign companies respect and comply with the regulations in force in Indonesia,” Trubus said in a statement in Jakarta on Wednesday.

Previously, the Ministry of Tourism requested foreign OTA platforms such as Agoda, Booking.com, and Airbnb to process their NIB and KBLI as part of fulfilling business legality requirements in Indonesia. According to Trubus, the policy can be seen as an innovative move, especially since many foreign OTAs have long profited greatly from the Indonesian market without fully meeting their legal business obligations. “If this is important in the context of making foreign OTAs respect or submit to the rules applicable in Indonesia, I think this policy is a policy innovation,” he stated.

From a business fairness perspective, he assessed that there has been a gap between local and foreign OTAs. He noted that foreign OTAs often gain certain competitive advantages, while domestic businesses feel they are treated unequally. “Domestic OTAs feel there is a social gap,” he said.

Trubus stated that if the regulation is implemented properly, compliant foreign OTAs have the potential to expand their business to various regions in Indonesia and create new jobs. “If they can develop branch offices in various regions in Indonesia, that will certainly absorb labour,” he said.

When asked for a response regarding the non-compliance of some foreign OTAs with the NIB and KBLI requirements, Trubus assessed that this condition shows there are still business actors who have not fully adapted to the prevailing regulations in Indonesia. According to him, this situation can place domestic OTAs in a less competitive position compared to foreign businesses. “They view Indonesia merely as a market, so they are unwilling to submit to the rules applicable in Indonesia. As a result, domestic OTAs often feel they are treated unfairly,” he said.

Nevertheless, Trubus emphasised that the government still needs to create a conducive business climate for foreign OTAs so they can operate comfortably while complying with regulations. “Good socialisation is indeed necessary because this concerns trust. The government needs to convince them with a more moderate and persuasive approach,” he said.

Previously, the Ministry of Tourism conducted an operation to regulate accommodations listed on OTAs that do not yet have business permits in Indonesia. “We continue to coordinate with foreign OTAs. First, we collect data, then unlicensed accommodations must be recorded and cannot be displayed or marketed,” said the Ministry’s Acting Deputy for Industry and Investment, Rizki Handayani Mustafa, after the 2026 National Tourism Coordination Meeting in Jakarta. Rizki stated that licensing data can actually be viewed through the Online Single Submission (OSS) system. However, because the verification process must be carried out on thousands of accommodations, the government decided to build a support system to accelerate supervision.