Considering getting a place in Lombok

[RAFTNFISH]

Newbie here!

Considering getting a place to Winter in Lombok. I’m American and my wife is Indo. We have 3 young children, all dual citizens.

I have spent time in Batam and Bali though not Lombok yet. I prefer a quieter life and while I enjoyed the several months in Bali, I didn’t fully settle into the area. I lived in Singapore and Honk Kong, prior to moving my emerging family back to the US. We plan on splitting time between there and here.

Thought I would get onto here, network and see what comes of it.

All the best,
Daniel

 

[Balifrog]

Lombok, the island of a thousand mosques...

Lombok - A Small Indonesian Island With Over 1000 Mosques -

Ever heard of Lombok Island before? If you haven’t, you’re not alone! Unlike its neighbouring Island Bali – which has a majority Hindu population – Lombok’s residents are predominantly Muslim with Islamic influence dating back to the 16th century. We gave the extremely popular and touristy...

muslimsgotravel.com

Enjoy !

 

[Shadrach]

Lombok, the island of a thousand mosques...

Lombok - A Small Indonesian Island With Over 1000 Mosques -

Ever heard of Lombok Island before? If you haven’t, you’re not alone! Unlike its neighbouring Island Bali – which has a majority Hindu population – Lombok’s residents are predominantly Muslim with Islamic influence dating back to the 16th century. We gave the extremely popular and touristy...

muslimsgotravel.com

Enjoy !

There's more to the island than this. Like hiking up Kintamani, Kuta beach, the Gili islands.

 

[harryopal1]

Best to visit for a couple of weeks to check it out. Living in Bali now and the traffic is abominable. I think I would prefer Lombok but wife has family here. Not sure how the educational facilities are in Lombok but as you will find in other threads it seems most people are not enamoured of the general educational system.

 

[Shadrach]

Wasn't there a big eco project that was being developed on Sumbawa, a few years ago? I remember seeing a flyer with an artists rendition of this fantastic development. They promised unbelievably great Schools, yoga centers, roads, infrastructure, etc. my friends were interesting in buying into it, for a plot of land and house. I told them be careful, and go see it first. Whoever was promoting this was already trying to sell plots. Did it happen? Or did it fail, and all the investors get ripped off?

 

[RAFTNFISH]

Thanks for your replies and I hope … more to come.

I will still work remotely and be the current breadwinner of the household. Will have a summer place on the mountains in Montana USA. I was considering home schooling and /or online opportunities.

My wife’s family is spread from Singapore to Batam and to Aceh/Medan where she grew up.

I’m looking for a quiet place to be able to have a boat and fish and be part of the community. Not looking for the hustle/bustle.

My childhood best friend moved to Costa Rica 18 years ago and started his sustenance existence there. He pleads for us to move there…though that is just another language and cultural barrier.

My wife mentioned Binta Island, though I see that is even more of a resort area…though close to SG and Batam.

Really just exploring our options.

Me ==> love the outdoors, fishing, exploring and solitude
Wife ==> loves convenience and more civilized existence.

Figure having a camp on a major river in Montana satisfies part of the needs. Now, need someplace warm and more hospitable. My wife isn’t into the hustle and bustle either. Just needs modern amenities and conveniences. Also, being within striking distance to family from Singapore, Batam to Aceh.

 

[manish]

@RAFTNFISH

It’s true that Lombok is known as the "island of a thousand mosques," but there are still plenty of peaceful spots to enjoy. I live here too, in Mataram—the city center—where everything is close by, and the traffic isn’t as hectic as in Bali or Jakarta.


You might want to check out areas like Senggigi or Kuta for a more relaxed atmosphere.

 

[Balifrog]

or Kuta for a more relaxed atmosphere

Kuta a relaxed atmosphere ?
This is a joke, no ?
Full of loud drunken Aussies....

 

[manish]

Kuta a relaxed atmosphere ?
This is a joke, no ?
Full of loud drunken Aussies....

I’m not referring to the main Kuta, but rather the surrounding areas. There are plenty of less touristy spots perfect for fishing and small hikes.

 

[Wisnu]

Kuta a relaxed atmosphere ?
This is a joke, no ?
Full of loud drunken Aussies....

Are you refereeing Kuta Lombok or Kuta Bali?
Even Sanur is far far crowded than main Kuta lombok.

 

[Balifrog]

Are you refereeing Kuta Lombok or Kuta Bali?
Even Sanur is far far crowded than main Kuta lombok.

Kuta Bali.

 

[RAFTNFISH]

Thanks again…

I will definitely visit and rent a place to explore and get acclimated.

Question: Is it highly recommended or even imperative to go through an agency for the legal aspects to buy a property or land and build? Not sure if just an extra dose of caution will steer me clear of ill consequences trying to negotiate it all privately. I’m hopeful to get this all started this year.

I don’t want to overextend this post. I can/will move over to another thread for additional postings.
Thanks again,
Daniel

 

[pantaiema]

Welcome

 

[Shadrach]

Thanks again…

I will definitely visit and rent a place to explore and get acclimated.

Question: Is it highly recommended or even imperative to go through an agency for the legal aspects to buy a property or land and build? Not sure if just an extra dose of caution will steer me clear of ill consequences trying to negotiate it all privately. I’m hopeful to get this all started this year.

I don’t want to overextend this post. I can/will move over to another thread for additional postings.
Thanks again,
Daniel

All good idea's in getting started. Definitely rent first, and really take your time looking around all the islands and see which one feels right for you. As to buying property. Foreigners are not allowed to own property in Indonesia. There are many ways to share hold with an Indonesian partner, but they have to have more than 50% ownership, people will tell many things about this, but I say be Warned! you cannot own land as a foreigner!
So get it in your mind, it will only be a lease! Which can be manipulated into successive leases for years to come. I suggest you find an honest (Hah), English speaking lawyer to help you with this matter. And talk to many many, expats that have already gone through this process. Good Luck.

 

[marcus]

... Is it highly recommended or even imperative to go through an agency for the legal aspects to buy a property or land and build? ...

In my view you don't necessarily need an agent . For the legality of the property documents you may consult a few notaries PPAT (the ones who can legally register the property at the Government - for you to know also how much each one charges for changing ownership) .
I bought in my (then) Indonesian wife's name without agent (in my neighborhood probably the majority of properties sold/bought lately didn't have agents involved - I mean professional agents as here many people act as amateur agent to get a small commission) .

As Shadrach said above , by Law foreigners cannot own Indonesian land . And your Indonesian wife can only own if you two have a nuptial agreement of separated wealth .

 

[Shadrach]

In my view you don't necessarily need an agent . For the legality of the property documents you may consult a few notaries PPAT (the ones who can legally register the property at the Government - for you to know also how much each one charges for changing ownership) .
I bought in my (then) Indonesian wife's name without agent (in my neighborhood probably the majority of properties sold/bought lately didn't have agents involved - I mean professional agents as here many people act as amateur agent to get a small commission) .

As Shadrach said above , by Law foreigners cannot own Indonesian land . And your Indonesian wife can only own if you two have a nuptial agreement of separated wealth .

Wow, What a good deal for the Wife! If she kicks your butt out! She'll be smiling all the way to the Bank! I still recommend find a reputable English speaking Lawyer. You're talking about a lot of Money!

 

[Wisnu]

Lombok might not as strict as Bali, but its necessary in addition to the legality of property, check the land zone / master plan as well as the status of the land directly from ATR/BPN. PPAT might not aware about LSD (lahan sawah dilindungi - protected rice field) and this status is not shown in geographic information of spatial plan https://gistaru.atrbpn.go.id/

 

[pantaiema]

Question: Is it highly recommended or even imperative to go through an agency for the legal aspects to buy a property or land and build? Not sure if just an extra dose of caution will steer me clear of ill consequences trying to negotiate it all privately. I’m hopeful to get this all started this year.

I don’t want to overextend this post. I can/will move over to another thread for additional postings.
Thanks again,
Daniel

Property, investment agents may operate differently than what some foreigners expect based on their home country’s standards. In Indonesia, they are not always closely monitored by regulatory authorities. It can be beneficial to find a reliable agent who prioritizes your interests rather than simply closing a deal for their commission. However, finding such an agent can be challenging.

There are already discussions about foreigners buying property in Indonesia in this forum; Try searching for them. Some posts even reference the relevant regulations. Also, just in case you are not aware of, the foreigners cannot own freehold for landed property. When speaking with an agent, be cautious, as they may use ambiguous wording to mislead those unfamiliar with the regulations.

In my opinion, a better approach is to educate ourself, understand the regulations, and seek advice from others, to clarify any uncertainties.

 

[Shadrach]

Everyone is coming up with similar ideas but different. As for me, because you are talking about a lot of money here. I wouldn't trust anyone! Anyone that you might talk to, such as agents, realtors, know that there is a commission involved, and that means $ in their pockets. Yes there might be one that actually is Honest, and truly seek the best for you, regardless of them getting a commission.
A snake has a forked tongue! Now Notaries might be a better option. I don't know, but I think they work for a set wage for doing their work! Again, you are in a foreign country with not many rights. As someone said, you can do research and find out a lot, but that sounds like a huge undertaking, and you might not understand or miss somethings very important!
Again if you are serious about buying a long term lease here, because that's all it really is. Let's say you do (buy) a place, then build a nice house on it, the land is still the property of an Indonesian person. Regardless if thats your Wife, friend, etc. the land will belong to them. It may be great, and you can live there for a really long time, Hopefully. Just know the land will go back to them.
As for the House, I really don't know. Since you payed for the materials, and built it, or had a contractor build it, I would assume you do own that. And can sell it, tear it down, or burn it to the ground. i had a friend that leased some land, then brought a Joglo house over from Java, and set it up. His lease was going to expire, so he advertised and put it up for sell. He was asking a high price so I don't think he found any buyers, before he died. He had a Daughter that came over when he died, to deal with his belongings. I don't know if she sold the house or not.
These Joglo houses are built with post and beams, that can be pinned together to construct. No Nails! A great idea, so when you want, you can just unpin the connections and take it down in order, and mark everything, so when you sell it. Someone can take it wherever they want, and set it up again. Maybe you should look into buying one of these.
So again I will suggest. Find a reputable, English speaking Lawyer, and have a Notary handle the paperwork. I would do both if it was me! Good lick!

 

[Mambojambo]

I am on a KITAP (Spouse sponsored) But i haven't made any nuptial agreement yet. Can I still buy a land in my Indonesian wife's name?

Note: I will become an Indonesian citizen next year. In this case, is it okay if my wife buys the land first (now), and then, when I become an Indonesian citizen, we'll both have the land?