Determining a company name is one of the most crucial initial steps when establishing a business entity. A name is not merely a branding or marketing identity; it is an official legal identity that will be registered in the state administration system.
However, many business owners encounter obstacles when their PT name application is rejected by the Directorate General of Legal Administration (AHU) of the Ministry of Law and Human Rights (Kemenkumham). This rejection generally occurs because the proposed name is already used by another party, has a dominant phonetic similarity, or does not meet the regulatory requirements for PT naming.
Knowing how to check a PT name before registering and understanding the legal naming rules is the key to ensuring your business establishment process runs quickly, efficiently, and without obstacles.
Official PT Naming Rules According to Kemenkumham Provisions
Before conducting a check, you need to understand the basic rules for naming a Limited Liability Company as regulated in Government Regulation (PP) No. 43 of 2011 concerning procedures for submitting and using the name of a Limited Liability Company:
- Must consist of at least 3 Indonesian words
For a Domestic Investment PT (PMDN), the company name must use Indonesian and consist of at least 3 (three) syllables.
Example: PR Cahaya Maju Bersama - Exception for PT PMA
The requirement to use Indonesian is not mandatory for companies with Foreign Investment (PT PMA) status. - Not yet used by another PT
The proposed name must not be the same or substantially similar (in sound and spelling) to a PT name already legally registered in the Kemenkumham database. - Not contrary to public order
The name must not contain elements of immorality, words that provoke SARA conflicts, or contradict applicable legal norms. - Not using the name of a state/international institution
PT names are prohibited from using abbreviations or names similar to government institutions or international bodies, unless special permission is obtained. - In accordance with business purpose and objectives
A name that includes a specific business field (such as Logistics, Construction, or Financial) must reflect the operational activities stated in the company's KBLI.
How to Check a PT Name Independently and Officially
To ensure your desired name has not been used by another entity, there are two checking methods you can use:
1. Public Access Check via AHU Online
You can check name availability generally through the AHU Online system of Kemenkumham:
- Access the official website ahu.go.id.
- Go to the AHU Perseroan Terbatas menu.
- Type the combination of the PT name you wish to use.
- If the search results show the name is still available, then the name has a good chance of being submitted.
2. Intellectual Property Check (DJKI)
Besides checking at Kemenkumham, it is highly recommended to check the Intellectual Property Database (PDKI) at pdki-indonesia.dgip.go.id. This step aims to ensure that your prospective PT name does not trigger IPR / Trademark disputes with marks already registered in similar business classes.
Things That Cause a PT Name Application to Be Rejected
Avoid the following common mistakes when designing your company name:
- Only using 2 words: An application like PT Maju Bersama will be automatically rejected by the AHU system for local PMDN PT scale.
- Phonetic similarity (sound only): Even if the spelling is different (e.g., PT Sinar Wijaya Sukses vs. PT Synar Widjaya Sukses), the system will consider them phonetically similar and may reject them.
- Use of special characters: PT names are prohibited from containing numbers, symbols, or foreign letters that are not part of the standard Latin alphabet.
Guide to Next Steps After the PT Name Is Approved
Once your desired PT name is confirmed safe and approved by the Kemenkumham system, the legal entity establishment process can proceed to the next stage:
- Drafting of Deed of Establishment: Signing of the draft deed before a Notary containing the articles of association, shareholder composition, and board of directors and commissioners.
- Issuance of Kemenkumham Decree: Official ratification of legal entity status from the Minister of Law and Human Rights.
- Corporate NPWP Registration: Issuance of a taxpayer identification number in the company's name.
- Issuance of NIB & Business License: Processing of NIB through the OSS RBA system, including selection of business domicile or management of a Virtual Office address if needed.
FAQ Abut Checking a PT Name
How long is the reservation period for a PT name at Kemenkumham?
A PT name reservation approved by the AHU Online system is generally valid for 60 days. If within that period the Deed of Establishment is not issued, the name will become available again and can be reserved by another party.
Is a Sole Proprietorship PT also required to use a 3-word name?
Yes. The requirement to use at least 3 Indonesian words also applies to the Sole Proprietorship PT Establishment scheme for micro and small business actors.
Establish a PT Without Obstacles with Awan Kusuma Legalitas
Managing name checks, KBLI adjustments, and legal entity legality requires precision so that the entire process runs smoothly without the risk of rejection. The Awan Kusuma Legalitas team is ready to assist you from the checking and reservation stage of the PT name to the issuance of all official licensing documents.
We are ready to help process all your business legality needs comprehensively. Starting from legal entity ratification via PT Establishment and Sole Proprietorship PT Establishment, management of strategic business addresses through Virtual Office, issuance of business licenses via NIB, to brand identity protection through IPR / Trademark registration. Together with us, managing your PT legality becomes much easier, faster, and more transparent.
Want to check the availability of your dream PT name and process the establishment of a business entity safely? Contact the Awan Kusuma Legalitas Team via WhatsApp now for a free legality consultation!Â
