Architects Must Have STRA, Here's an Explanation from the Indonesian Architects Association

Media Release for STRA Service Launch 12 August 2021

JAKARTA – Similar to other professions, the architecture profession also has laws that regulate and provide protection and legal certainty for architects, clients, architectural practices, architectural works, and the public.

Based on Law Number 6 of 2017 on Architects, the requirement to become an architect is to have a Surat Tanda Registrasi Arsitek (STRA), or Architect Registration Certificate. The STRA serves as written proof for architects to engage in architectural practice. Holders of the STRA are morally and materially responsible for the reliability and safety aspects of the buildings they design. This responsibility is recognized by law, thereby providing protection to the public as well as to Indonesian architectural works. Additionally, professional architectural practice must enhance the added value and usability of the architectural works themselves. Therefore, architects play a role in helping the government facilitate orderly development through their planning.

The requirement for an architect to have an STRA came into effect in February 2021 after President Jokowi signed Presidential Regulation Number 15 of 2021 on the Implementation Regulations of Law Number 6 of 2017 on Architects and Law Number 11 of 2020 on Job Creation. Besides stipulating the requirements and procedures for issuing the STRA, these laws and regulations also stipulate sanctions for individuals practicing architecture without an STRA.

The issuance of the STRA and the imposition of related sanctions are handled by the Dewan Arsitek Indonesia (DAI), or Indonesian Architects Council. DAI was inaugurated by the Minister of Public Works and Housing (PUPR), Basuki Hadimuljono, on December 3, 2020. The members of DAI represent the professional organization, clients, and universities. The nine members of DAI are Aswin Indraprastha, Bambang Eryudhawan, Didi Haryadi, Gunawan Tjahjono, Karnaya, Lana Winayanti, Sonny Sutanto, Steve J. Manahampi, and Yuswadi.

The Indonesian Architects Council (Dewan Arsitek Indonesia, or DAI) was established based on the mandate of Law Number 6 of 2017 on Architects, Article 34, and Law Number 11 of 2020 on Job Creation. With the duty and function to assist the central government in organizing the architectural profession, the existence of DAI is crucial, particularly to maintain the standards of quality and professionalism among architects in Indonesia. As stated by the Minister of Public Works and Housing (PUPR), the role of architects is one of the backbones of development in Indonesia. Given that Indonesia is actively pursuing various infrastructure developments from Sabang to Merauke, with varying regional structures, the involvement of architects in national development projects by the PUPR Ministry is indispensable. Without architects, buildings would merely be concrete and steel structures erected without aesthetics.

Issuance of the Architect Registration Certificate (STRA)

There are currently two pathways available for obtaining the STRA: the Professional Education pathway and the Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) pathway. The Professional Education pathway involves candidates who, after completing a four-year formal architectural education, undergo a one-year Professional Education program (PPAr), followed by a minimum of two years of internship. After these stages, the candidate must complete the STRA application and administrative requirements and submit a certificate of passing the architect competency exam. The RPL pathway, on the other hand, is for candidates who have a minimum of 10 years of practical architectural work experience and can take the architect competency exam. Candidates in the RPL pathway must also complete the STRA application and administrative requirements and submit a certificate of passing the architect competency exam. The competency exam is conducted according to the Architect Competency Standards and applicable regulations.

The STRA is valid for five years and can be renewed by re-registering for another five-year term. This is based on Article 31 of Government Regulation Number 15 of 2021 on the Implementation Regulations of Law Number 6 of 2017 on Architects and the Indonesian Architects Council Regulation Number 2 of 2021 on the Architect Registration Certificate (STRA). Both new STRA issuance and STRA renewal applications will incur administrative fees according to their category.

For STRA renewal, applicants must complete the STRA application and administrative requirements and fulfill the Continuing Professional Education (PKB) obligations to meet the required cumulative points. Currently, new STRA application services are open for reactivation and conversion for SKA holders. New STRA issuance is planned to open within the next three months.