Study on building permit awareness in West Sumatra, Indonesia

Abstract

This study aims to understand the level of awareness and competency of building officers in Indonesia regards to the implementation of building permit systems. The study area is West Sumatra, Indonesia. Understanding the situation experienced by building officers is significant, considering their important role in guaranteeing the quality of building, especially in an earthquake-prone area. The method used in this study is interviewing building officers in 6 sub-districts in the target district. Interview conducted using question and answer sheet, as well as collecting related building permit documents to support the results and improve the understanding of building construction process. The results show that 70% of the building official is lack of understanding and capacity to conduct their job. Indicators of the level of education in which more than 30% only graduated from high school and not more than 10% got the opportunity to strengthen their technical knowledge about building construction. 80% of staff never read building law no.28 the year 2002, and 70% never read the technical guidance of building construction PP no.36 the year 2005. This study provides essential information for the Indonesia government as a basis to improve the quality of building officers