Catering businesses are generally resilient, regardless of societal conditions. Although the COVID-19 pandemic caused a decline in revenue for some, many catering businesses—particularly micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) or home-based operations---saw a surge in orders.

This was mainly due to people supporting each other by sending food and beverages for daily needs during the pandemic, especially in urban areas. Movement restrictions concentrated catering business operations around specific companies, restaurants, and food stalls that provided meals and drinks for residential areas, self-isolating patients, government institutions, healthcare workers, volunteers, and security personnel.

Once the pandemic ended, the catering business returned to normal. Offices, schools, weddings, national and international events, concerts, sports tournaments, and cultural festivals resumed—each requiring adequate and appropriate catering services.

Catering businesses are considered medium- to high-risk, requiring specific permits to ensure they operate legally and safely, and meet standards for food consumption.

Steps to register a Catering Business (Source: ukmindonesia.id):

Catering businesses in Indonesia are regulated under the Ministry of Tourism and Creative Economy Regulation No. 4 of 2021. This regulation divides catering operations into two main categories: Catering for Specific Events (Event Catering) with KBLI 56210 and Catering Providers for Certain Periods with KBLI 56290. Each category has a distinct scope of services:

1. Catering for Specific Events

This category covers catering services provided under contract for specific events at locations designated by clients. These events include office functions, celebrations, parties, seminars, meetings, and similar occasions.

2. Catering Providers for Certain Periods

This category includes catering services provided under contract over a specific period. It includes food service providers for transportation companies and sports facilities like cafeterias in factories, offices, hospitals, or schools. It also includes long-term catering services for large-scale projects like oil drilling sites, mining operations, transportation services, and hospitals.

Required Permits

To legally operate a catering business under either the Event Catering (KBLI 56210) or the Catering Providers for Certain Periods (KBLI 56290), business owners must obtain the following permits:

1. Tax Identification Number (NPWP)

The NPWP is a mandatory requirement for every business owner. It serves as the key to obtaining other necessary permits. If you do not have an NPWP, you can easily apply online by visiting this website https://ereg.pajak.go.id/daftar  and following the step-by-step instructions.

2. Business Identification Number (NIB)

The NIB functions as a business owner’s membership and identification card. It is mandatory for all entrepreneurs. To obtain an NIB, you must register through the Online Single Submission (OSS) system.

As the identity for business owners, NIB can replace other documents such as the Trading Business License (SIUP), Importer Identification Number (API), and Industrial Registration Certificate (TDI). There are two steps to obtaining the NIB:

1. Create an OSS Account

To access the OSS system, you must first register for an account. Here's how:

Go to http://oss.go.id.

• Select 'register.'
• Select 'micro and small enterprises.'
• Fill out the registration form.
• Check your email and click the activation button.
• Check your email for your username and password.

Once you've completed these steps, your registration will be successful, and you’ll have access to the system. You may also follow the guide for creating an OSS account for micro and small businesses.

2. Fill Out the Registration Form

• Go to https://oss.go.id/.
• Select 'login.'
• Enter your username, password, and captcha, then click 'login.'
• Click 'business licensing menu' and click 'new application.'
• Fill in the business owner’s data.
• Fill in business sector data.
• Fill in detailed business sector data.
• Fill in product/service data for the business sector.
• Review product/service list.
• Review business data.
• Review the business activities list.
• Review and complete environmental approval documents (KBLI/Specific Business Sectors).
• Confirm your understanding and agreement with the self-declaration statement.
• Review the business licensing draft.
• Issue the Business Identification Number (NIB).
• You can refer to the guide for filling out the NIB form on the OSS RBA platform.

3. Business Standard Certification

In addition to the NIB, catering businesses are required to obtain a business standard certification from the local government. The certification application documents can also be uploaded through the OSS system.

4. Sanitation and Hygiene Certificate

Given the importance of food safety, catering businesses must also secure a sanitation and hygiene certificate (SLHSJ) to verify compliance with cleanliness and hygiene standards. You can apply for this certificate through the local health department.

Catering businesses in the Event Catering cluster can operate on a small, medium, or large scale, while those in the Catering Providers for Certain Periods cluster can operate on a micro, small, medium, or large scale. Regardless of size, the required permits and certifications remain the same across all business size.

Writer: Kristantyo Wisnubroto

Editors: Ratna Nuraini/Siti Chodijah

Translator: Ratna Puspa Merdika