Juridical analysis of legal protection for the implementation of option agreements for foreign citizens (foreign nationals) in apartment ownership (research study: Apartments in Batam City

Meily Ferawati; Irpan Husein Lubis; Erniyanti Erniyanti; Markus Gunawan

doi:10.35912/ajh.v5i1.3435

Juridical analysis of legal protection for the implementation of option agreements for foreign citizens (foreign nationals) in apartment ownership (research study: Apartments in Batam City

https://doi.org/10.35912/ajh.v5i1.3435

09 Sep 2025

Abstract

Purpose: This study examines the legal protection of option agreements used by foreign nationals (FNs) to acquire apartment ownership in Batam City. It evaluates the regulatory framework, practical implementation, challenges, and the extent to which such agreements provide legal certainty for both developers and FNs.

Methodology: A normative juridical approach was combined with a socio-legal method. Secondary data were obtained from legislation, legal literature, and jurisprudence, while primary data were gathered through interviews with notaries, government officials, developers, and foreign buyers in Batam.

Results: The findings reveal that option agreements, though widely applied, lack explicit regulation in Indonesian law. Their legal force relies on the contractual freedom principle under the Civil Code, making them valid but weak in providing ownership rights. In practice, they are often used as alternatives to bypass restrictions on foreign ownership, but this creates potential legal uncertainty, especially in cases of default, regulatory changes, or disputes.

Conclusion: Option agreements serve only as contractual instruments and fail to provide comprehensive legal protection or full ownership rights for FNs under Indonesian agrarian law. Clearer statutory provisions are required to enhance certainty and prevent abuse.

Limitations: The research is limited to Batam City and does not fully capture variations across other regions. Data on disputes and enforcement are also limited.

Contribution: This study identifies regulatory gaps in option agreements and emphasizes the need for government intervention through clearer policies, offering recommendations for policymakers, land agencies, and notaries to enhance investor protection, legal certainty, and national sovereignty.

Keywords

Apartment Option Agreement Legal Protection

How to Cite

Ferawati, M., Lubis, I. H., Erniyanti, E., & Gunawan, M. (2025). Juridical analysis of legal protection for the implementation of option agreements for foreign citizens (foreign nationals) in apartment ownership (research study: Apartments in Batam City. Annals of Justice and Humanity, 5(1), 27–38. https://doi.org/10.35912/ajh.v5i1.3435

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References

Alfons, S. S., Soplanit, M., & Mail, S. M. H. (2024). Creating Substantive Justice in State Administrative Courts: A Theoretical, Philosophical, and Human Rights Review. Jurnal Suara Hukum, 6(2), 280-305. doi:https://doi.org/10.26740/jsh.v6n2.p298-306
Arsensius, A. (2023). Pengaturan Hak Pakai Sebagai Objek Hak Tanggungan Atas Rumah Tinggal Warga Negara Asing. Tanjungpura Law Journal, 7(2), 184-210. doi:https://doi.org/10.26418/tlj.v7i2.58807
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Aulia, M. R. R., & Holish, A. M. (2023). Legal Aspect of Land Tenure Strategies by Foreign Nationals (Case of District of Jepara, Indonesia). Journal of Law and Legal Reform, 4(1), 33-44.
Butar-Butar, K. E., & Turisno, B. E. (2022). Juridic Review Of Granting Rights To Flat Units To Foreign Citizens Based On The Provisions Of Legislation In Indonesia. Awang Long Law Review, 4(2), 409-418. doi:https://doi.org/10.56301/awl.v4i2.454
Chopra, B., Dhingra, A. K., Dhar, K. L., & Nepali, K. (2021). Emerging Role of Terpenoids for the Treatment of Cancer: A Review. Mini Reviews in Medicinal Chemistry, 21(16), 2300-2336. doi:https://doi.org/10.2174/1389557521666210112143024
Dharma, K. R. W., Budiartha, I. N. P., & Ujianti, N. M. P. (2022). Larangan penguasaan tanah oleh WNA melalui perjanjian nominee. Jurnal Konstruksi Hukum, 3(2), 246-251. doi:https://doi.org/10.22225/jkh.3.2.4806.246-251
Feriska, M. N. (2023). Kebebasan Berkontrak Dan Perlindungan Konsumen Dalam Perjanjian Sewa Menyewa Pada Sebuah Keseimbangan Hukum. JOURNAL SAINS STUDENT RESEARCH, 1(1), 893-902. doi:https://doi.org/10.61722/jssr.v1i1.415
Gaol, S. L. (2018). Tinjauan Hukum Pemilikan Apartemen (Satuan Rumah Susun) Oleh Orang Asing/Warga Negara Asing Di Indonesia. Jurnal Ilmiah Hukum Dirgantara, 9(1). doi:https://doi.org/10.35968/jh.v9i1.298
Halilah, S., & Arif, M. F. (2021). Asas Kepastian Hukum Menurut Para Ahli. Siyasah: Jurnal Hukum Tata Negara, 4(2), 56-65.
Haspada, D. (2018). Perjanjian nominee antara warga negara asing dengan warga negara indonesia dalam praktik jual beli tanah hak milik yang dihubungkan dengan pasal 1313 kitab undang-undang hukum perdata. Wacana Paramarta: Jurnal Ilmu Hukum, 17(2), 115-124. doi:https://doi.org/10.32816/paramarta.v17i2.77
Herliani, F., Nurlinda, I., & Rubiati, B. (2018). Peralihan Hak Milik Menjadi Hak Pakai Atas Sarusun Di Atas Tanah HGB Kepada Orang Asing Dihubungkan Dengan PP No. 103 Tahun 2015/Kepala BPN No. 29 Tahun 2016. ACTA DIURNAL Jurnal Ilmu Hukum Kenotariatan, 2(1), 69-83.
Hernández-Torrano, D., & Courtney, M. G. (2021). Modern International Large-Scale Assessment in Education: An Integrative Review and Mapping of the Literature. Large-Scale Assessments in Education, 9(1), 1-33. doi:https://doi.org/10.1186/s40536-021-00109-1
Hetharie, Y. (2022). Kepemilikan tanah oleh warga negara asing melalui perjanjian pinjam nama sebagai bentuk penyelundupan hukum dalam hukum perdata internasional. Balobe Law Journal, 2(1), 12–20. doi:https://doi.org/10.47268/balobe.v2i1.822
Isradjuningtias, A. C. (2017). Faktor Penyebab Penyimpangan Tata Ruang (Studi Pembangunan Condominium) di Kota Bandung. Veritas et Justitia, 3(2), 437-467. doi:https://doi.org/10.25123/vej.v3i2.2687
Komatsu, K., Murata, S., Stylianides, A. J., & Stylianides, G. J. (2024). Introducing students to the role of assumptions in mathematical activity. Cognition and Instruction, 42(2), 327-357. doi:https://doi.org/10.1080/07370008.2023.2293695
Lorenza, C., & Wargenegara, D. L. (2022). A Study On Real Estate Investment Decisions in an Indonesian Free Trade Zone: A Behavioral Finance Approach. Jurnal Akuntansi dan Bisnis: Jurnal Program Studi Akuntansi, 8(2), 164-180. doi:https://doi.org/10.31289/jab.v8i2.8156
Lubis, T. H. (2021). Hukum perjanjian di Indonesia. SOSEK: Jurnal Sosial dan Ekonomi, 2(3), 177-190. doi:https://doi.org/10.55357/sosek.v2i3.250
Mahfud, M. A., & Djohan, N. H. (2024). The Expansion of Investor Access to Cultivation Rights: A Socio-Legal Analysis on Agrarian Injustice in Indonesia. Al-Risalah: Forum Kajian Hukum dan Sosial Kemasyarakatan, 24(2), 55-67. doi:https://doi.org/10.30631/alrisalah.v24i2.1500
Merta, I. B. A. A., Utama, M. S., Budhi, M. K. S., & Yasa, I. N. M. (2016). Impact of Government Expenditure, Human Capital and Regional Economic Development Performance on People Welfare in Bali Province, Indonesia. Journal of Economics and Sustainable Development, 7(12), 85-93.
Negara, T. A. S. (2023). Normative legal research in Indonesia: Its originis and approaches. Audito Comparative Law Journal (ACLJ), 4(1), 1-9. doi:https://doi.org/10.22219/aclj.v4i1.24855
Nisa, A. F. (2023). Ownership Of Land Rights With The Status Of Property Rights By Foreign Nationals As Beneficiaries Using Indonesian Citizens. Global Legal Review, 3(1), 49-57. doi:https://doi.org/10.19166/glr.v3i1.5107
Prakoso, G. D., Nabila, S. K., & Samosir, T. (2025). Analysis of the Validity of Notarial Deeds in Land Ownership Transactions by Foreign Nationals through Nominees based on Law No. 5 of 1960 concerning Basic Agrarian Principles. Jurnal Akta, 12(2), 594-600. doi:http://dx.doi.org/10.30659/akta.v12i2.45303
Pratomo, R. A., Samsura, D. A. A., & van der Krabben, E. (2020). Transformation of local people’s property rights induced by new town development (case studies in Peri-Urban areas in Indonesia). Land, 9(7), 236. doi:https://doi.org/10.3390/land9070236
Raynee, R. R., Layla Ni’matussa’idah, Z., & Salsabilasyah, F. N. (2024). Analisis Terhadap Konsep Perjanjian dan Unsur-Unsur Perjanjian dalam Hukum Perikatan. Media Hukum Indonesia (MHI), 2(4), 341-346. doi:https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.14194221
Ridhogusti, R., & Kurniati, G. (2024). Implications of Nominee Agreements in Land Ownership by Foreign Nationals in Bali: Case Study of Nominee Agreement in Decision No. 274/Pdt. G/2020/PN Dps. Reformasi Hukum, 28(2), 153-167. doi:https://doi.org/10.46257/jrh.v28i2.1024
Saefullah, S. (2024). Transformasi Konsep Kepemilikan Harta Dalam Hukum Bisnis dan Konteks Sejarahnya. Jurnal USM Law Review, 7(1), 514-527. doi:https://doi.org/10.26623/julr.v7i1.8557
Sihotang, S. (2016). Implementasi Hukum Perumahan Sebagai Usaha Percepatan Pengadaan Rumah Bagi Masyarakat Yang Berpenghasilan Rendah (MBR). De'rechtsstaat, 2(1), 81-102. doi:https://doi.org/10.30997/jhd.v2i1.659
Sinaga, N. A. (2018). Peranan asas-asas hukum perjanjian dalam mewujudkan tujuan perjanjian. Binamulia Hukum, 7(2), 107-120. doi:https://doi.org/10.37893/jbh.v7i2.318
Sofwan, M. (2024). Legal Review of Implementation of Cooperation Agreements between Agents and Distributors in Business Law Principles. Journal Equity of Law and Governance, 5(2), 58-64. doi:https://doi.org/10.55637/elg.5.2.10376.58-64
Suwardi. (2017). Hak Kepemilikan Tempat Tinggal bagi WNA di Bidang Properti. Perspektif Hukum, 17(1), 138-153. doi:https://doi.org/10.30649/ph.v17i1.63
Tobing, A., Praptono, S. T., Hestiono, P., & Pattinasarany, E. B. (2024). Agrarian Reform In The Context Of Increasing Poor Peasants'access To Land Tenure In Indonesia. Hukum Responsif, 15(2), 279-287. doi:https://doi.org/10.33603/responsif.v15i2.9481
Vandini, T. (2025). Implementasi Nominee Agreement dalam Perspektif Hukum di Indonesia. Jurnal Pendidikan Indonesia, 6(4), 2057-2063. doi:https://doi.org/10.59141/japendi.v6i4.7660
Widiyono, T., & Khan, M. Z. K. (2023). Legal Certainty in Land Rights Acquisition in Indonesia’s National Land Law. Law Reform, 19(1), 128-147. doi:https://doi.org/10.14710/lr.v19i1.48393
Wijayani, N. P. T. E. (2018). Penyelesaian Sengketa Perjanjian Nominee Tentang Peralihan Hak Milik Atas Tanah Kepada Warga Negara Asing (Wna) Ditinjau Dari Pasal 26 Ayat (2) UUPA. Jurnal Aktual Justice, 3(2), 122-138. doi:https://doi.org/10.47329/aktualjustice.v3i2.538

Alfons, S. S., Soplanit, M., & Mail, S. M. H. (2024). Creating Substantive Justice in State Administrative Courts: A Theoretical, Philosophical, and Human Rights Review. Jurnal Suara Hukum, 6(2), 280-305. doi:https://doi.org/10.26740/jsh.v6n2.p298-306
Arsensius, A. (2023). Pengaturan Hak Pakai Sebagai Objek Hak Tanggungan Atas Rumah Tinggal Warga Negara Asing. Tanjungpura Law Journal, 7(2), 184-210. doi:https://doi.org/10.26418/tlj.v7i2.58807
Ashfiya Nur, A., Ahmad Muhamad Mustain, N., Latifah, I. a., Annada Ashfa, U., & Neysa Kunthi Cahya, L. (2024). Tunas Agraria : Implikasi Kewarganegaraan terhadap Hak Kepemilikan Tanah dalam Hukum Agraria Indonesia. Terang : Jurnal Kajian Ilmu Sosial, Politik dan Hukum, 1(4), 118-127. doi:https://doi.org/10.62383/terang.v1i4.618
Aulia, M. R. R., & Holish, A. M. (2023). Legal Aspect of Land Tenure Strategies by Foreign Nationals (Case of District of Jepara, Indonesia). Journal of Law and Legal Reform, 4(1), 33-44.
Butar-Butar, K. E., & Turisno, B. E. (2022). Juridic Review Of Granting Rights To Flat Units To Foreign Citizens Based On The Provisions Of Legislation In Indonesia. Awang Long Law Review, 4(2), 409-418. doi:https://doi.org/10.56301/awl.v4i2.454
Chopra, B., Dhingra, A. K., Dhar, K. L., & Nepali, K. (2021). Emerging Role of Terpenoids for the Treatment of Cancer: A Review. Mini Reviews in Medicinal Chemistry, 21(16), 2300-2336. doi:https://doi.org/10.2174/1389557521666210112143024
Dharma, K. R. W., Budiartha, I. N. P., & Ujianti, N. M. P. (2022). Larangan penguasaan tanah oleh WNA melalui perjanjian nominee. Jurnal Konstruksi Hukum, 3(2), 246-251. doi:https://doi.org/10.22225/jkh.3.2.4806.246-251
Feriska, M. N. (2023). Kebebasan Berkontrak Dan Perlindungan Konsumen Dalam Perjanjian Sewa Menyewa Pada Sebuah Keseimbangan Hukum. JOURNAL SAINS STUDENT RESEARCH, 1(1), 893-902. doi:https://doi.org/10.61722/jssr.v1i1.415
Gaol, S. L. (2018). Tinjauan Hukum Pemilikan Apartemen (Satuan Rumah Susun) Oleh Orang Asing/Warga Negara Asing Di Indonesia. Jurnal Ilmiah Hukum Dirgantara, 9(1). doi:https://doi.org/10.35968/jh.v9i1.298
Halilah, S., & Arif, M. F. (2021). Asas Kepastian Hukum Menurut Para Ahli. Siyasah: Jurnal Hukum Tata Negara, 4(2), 56-65.
Haspada, D. (2018). Perjanjian nominee antara warga negara asing dengan warga negara indonesia dalam praktik jual beli tanah hak milik yang dihubungkan dengan pasal 1313 kitab undang-undang hukum perdata. Wacana Paramarta: Jurnal Ilmu Hukum, 17(2), 115-124. doi:https://doi.org/10.32816/paramarta.v17i2.77
Herliani, F., Nurlinda, I., & Rubiati, B. (2018). Peralihan Hak Milik Menjadi Hak Pakai Atas Sarusun Di Atas Tanah HGB Kepada Orang Asing Dihubungkan Dengan PP No. 103 Tahun 2015/Kepala BPN No. 29 Tahun 2016. ACTA DIURNAL Jurnal Ilmu Hukum Kenotariatan, 2(1), 69-83.
Hernández-Torrano, D., & Courtney, M. G. (2021). Modern International Large-Scale Assessment in Education: An Integrative Review and Mapping of the Literature. Large-Scale Assessments in Education, 9(1), 1-33. doi:https://doi.org/10.1186/s40536-021-00109-1
Hetharie, Y. (2022). Kepemilikan tanah oleh warga negara asing melalui perjanjian pinjam nama sebagai bentuk penyelundupan hukum dalam hukum perdata internasional. Balobe Law Journal, 2(1), 12–20. doi:https://doi.org/10.47268/balobe.v2i1.822
Isradjuningtias, A. C. (2017). Faktor Penyebab Penyimpangan Tata Ruang (Studi Pembangunan Condominium) di Kota Bandung. Veritas et Justitia, 3(2), 437-467. doi:https://doi.org/10.25123/vej.v3i2.2687
Komatsu, K., Murata, S., Stylianides, A. J., & Stylianides, G. J. (2024). Introducing students to the role of assumptions in mathematical activity. Cognition and Instruction, 42(2), 327-357. doi:https://doi.org/10.1080/07370008.2023.2293695
Lorenza, C., & Wargenegara, D. L. (2022). A Study On Real Estate Investment Decisions in an Indonesian Free Trade Zone: A Behavioral Finance Approach. Jurnal Akuntansi dan Bisnis: Jurnal Program Studi Akuntansi, 8(2), 164-180. doi:https://doi.org/10.31289/jab.v8i2.8156
Lubis, T. H. (2021). Hukum perjanjian di Indonesia. SOSEK: Jurnal Sosial dan Ekonomi, 2(3), 177-190. doi:https://doi.org/10.55357/sosek.v2i3.250
Mahfud, M. A., & Djohan, N. H. (2024). The Expansion of Investor Access to Cultivation Rights: A Socio-Legal Analysis on Agrarian Injustice in Indonesia. Al-Risalah: Forum Kajian Hukum dan Sosial Kemasyarakatan, 24(2), 55-67. doi:https://doi.org/10.30631/alrisalah.v24i2.1500
Merta, I. B. A. A., Utama, M. S., Budhi, M. K. S., & Yasa, I. N. M. (2016). Impact of Government Expenditure, Human Capital and Regional Economic Development Performance on People Welfare in Bali Province, Indonesia. Journal of Economics and Sustainable Development, 7(12), 85-93.
Negara, T. A. S. (2023). Normative legal research in Indonesia: Its originis and approaches. Audito Comparative Law Journal (ACLJ), 4(1), 1-9. doi:https://doi.org/10.22219/aclj.v4i1.24855
Nisa, A. F. (2023). Ownership Of Land Rights With The Status Of Property Rights By Foreign Nationals As Beneficiaries Using Indonesian Citizens. Global Legal Review, 3(1), 49-57. doi:https://doi.org/10.19166/glr.v3i1.5107
Prakoso, G. D., Nabila, S. K., & Samosir, T. (2025). Analysis of the Validity of Notarial Deeds in Land Ownership Transactions by Foreign Nationals through Nominees based on Law No. 5 of 1960 concerning Basic Agrarian Principles. Jurnal Akta, 12(2), 594-600. doi:http://dx.doi.org/10.30659/akta.v12i2.45303
Pratomo, R. A., Samsura, D. A. A., & van der Krabben, E. (2020). Transformation of local people’s property rights induced by new town development (case studies in Peri-Urban areas in Indonesia). Land, 9(7), 236. doi:https://doi.org/10.3390/land9070236
Raynee, R. R., Layla Ni’matussa’idah, Z., & Salsabilasyah, F. N. (2024). Analisis Terhadap Konsep Perjanjian dan Unsur-Unsur Perjanjian dalam Hukum Perikatan. Media Hukum Indonesia (MHI), 2(4), 341-346. doi:https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.14194221
Ridhogusti, R., & Kurniati, G. (2024). Implications of Nominee Agreements in Land Ownership by Foreign Nationals in Bali: Case Study of Nominee Agreement in Decision No. 274/Pdt. G/2020/PN Dps. Reformasi Hukum, 28(2), 153-167. doi:https://doi.org/10.46257/jrh.v28i2.1024
Saefullah, S. (2024). Transformasi Konsep Kepemilikan Harta Dalam Hukum Bisnis dan Konteks Sejarahnya. Jurnal USM Law Review, 7(1), 514-527. doi:https://doi.org/10.26623/julr.v7i1.8557
Sihotang, S. (2016). Implementasi Hukum Perumahan Sebagai Usaha Percepatan Pengadaan Rumah Bagi Masyarakat Yang Berpenghasilan Rendah (MBR). De'rechtsstaat, 2(1), 81-102. doi:https://doi.org/10.30997/jhd.v2i1.659
Sinaga, N. A. (2018). Peranan asas-asas hukum perjanjian dalam mewujudkan tujuan perjanjian. Binamulia Hukum, 7(2), 107-120. doi:https://doi.org/10.37893/jbh.v7i2.318
Sofwan, M. (2024). Legal Review of Implementation of Cooperation Agreements between Agents and Distributors in Business Law Principles. Journal Equity of Law and Governance, 5(2), 58-64. doi:https://doi.org/10.55637/elg.5.2.10376.58-64
Suwardi. (2017). Hak Kepemilikan Tempat Tinggal bagi WNA di Bidang Properti. Perspektif Hukum, 17(1), 138-153. doi:https://doi.org/10.30649/ph.v17i1.63
Tobing, A., Praptono, S. T., Hestiono, P., & Pattinasarany, E. B. (2024). Agrarian Reform In The Context Of Increasing Poor Peasants'access To Land Tenure In Indonesia. Hukum Responsif, 15(2), 279-287. doi:https://doi.org/10.33603/responsif.v15i2.9481
Vandini, T. (2025). Implementasi Nominee Agreement dalam Perspektif Hukum di Indonesia. Jurnal Pendidikan Indonesia, 6(4), 2057-2063. doi:https://doi.org/10.59141/japendi.v6i4.7660
Widiyono, T., & Khan, M. Z. K. (2023). Legal Certainty in Land Rights Acquisition in Indonesia’s National Land Law. Law Reform, 19(1), 128-147. doi:https://doi.org/10.14710/lr.v19i1.48393
Wijayani, N. P. T. E. (2018). Penyelesaian Sengketa Perjanjian Nominee Tentang Peralihan Hak Milik Atas Tanah Kepada Warga Negara Asing (Wna) Ditinjau Dari Pasal 26 Ayat (2) UUPA. Jurnal Aktual Justice, 3(2), 122-138. doi:https://doi.org/10.47329/aktualjustice.v3i2.538

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1	.	Meily Ferawati
		Batam University, Batam, Kepulauan Riau, Indonesia

2	.	Irpan Husein Lubis
		Batam University, Batam, Kepulauan Riau, Indonesia

3	.	Erniyanti Erniyanti
		Batam University, Batam, Kepulauan Riau, Indonesia

4	.	Markus Gunawan
		Batam University, Batam, Kepulauan Riau, Indonesia

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Juridical analysis of legal protection for the implementation of option agreements for foreign citizens (foreign nationals) in apartment ownership (research study: Apartments in Batam City

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