The service of building permit (IMB) online system, which launched on February 1, 2014, is apparently still having obstacles. This is because some applicants do not understand how to use the system, thus their data cannot be processed. Moreover, the network access also needs many improvements.

Indeed, there are still many obstacles, especially when uploading data. Many people still not understand how to do it correctly. Thus, their data was not attached and cannot be processed

“ Indeed, there are still many obstacles, especially when uploading data. Many people still not understand how to do it correctly. Thus, their data was not attached and cannot be processed ,” stated Head of Jakarta Building Control (P2B) Department, I Putu Ngurah Indiana, at City Hall, Tuesday (4/22).

Another obstacle is that many applicants do not have email, which is needed in IMB online application as means of communication. That is why some applicants complained the online system is taking time so long.

“Many applicants don’t have email, so their applications cannot be followed up. They finally came to the office and asked directly,” he told.

Online IMB system is easier and faster than manual system because applicants do not need to come to sub-district office and the process only takes seven days out of 15 days manual system. Thus far, the amount of applicants using the online system reaches more than 1,000 people proposing permit to build residential houses and hundreds proposing permit for non-residential house purpose.

Although has not reached 100 percent, the online system is also reducing the involvement of brokers gradually. It complicates the brokers because they have to get an authorization letter first from the applicants.

“Indeed, we have yet to eliminate broker’s involvement to 100 percent. However, the amount is decreasing,” stressed Indiana.

To apply for a permit, applicant must access www.dppb.jakarta.go.id and then follow the instructions. Based on Jakarta P2B Department data, in average of 12,000 permits are issued every year, in which 80 percent proposing for residential house permits, while the rest for non-residential house permits. It is also discovered that most of the applicants are from North Jakarta and West Jakarta.

Meanwhile, the retribution received from IMB processing keeps increasing every year. In 2012, the retribution was Rp 168 billion, then increased to Rp 202 billion in 2013. As for this year, the retribution is targeted to reach Rp 220 billion.