Media companies that have considered the KBLI codes in their deeds sufficient may need to review them again.
In 2026, the Press Council issued Circular Number 01/SE-DP/VIII/2026 concerning updated Indonesian Standard Industrial Classification, or KBLI, numbers for incorporated press companies. This change follows developments in KBLI 2025, under which some business codes in the press sector remained in use while others changed or were merged.
The key point goes beyond changing KBLI numbers. The Press Council expressly states that press companies must have one mandatory primary KBLI code, while other business activities may be listed as supporting KBLI codes.
Media companies need to consider this change because the inclusion of press-related KBLI codes in the company’s deed is also an important element of press company status and Press Council verification.
Why Does KBLI Matter for Press Companies?
According to Press Council Circular Number 01/SE-DP/VIII/2026, media categorized as press companies under the Press Law must take the form of press legal entities.
One characteristic of that legal entity status is the inclusion of KBLI codes relating to press activities in the company’s deed of establishment.
Press legal entity status and possession of relevant KBLI codes are also among the requirements for a company to be registered or pass Press Council verification.
This means KBLI is more than an administrative code describing the company’s business activities.
For press companies, KBLI conformity is also connected to the company’s identity as a press legal entity and the Press Council verification process.
Why Did Press Company KBLI Codes Change in 2026?
Previously, press company verification provisions referred to several press-specific KBLI codes included in the Press Council’s 2023 provisions.
Examples used previously included KBLI codes relating to publishing, web portals, television, and radio.
However, the government’s development of KBLI in 2025 changed that structure.
At its 32nd Plenary Meeting on 27 July 2026, the Press Council then decided to update information on press company KBLI codes to conform to the latest KBLI provisions.
The Circular subsequently established a clearer distinction between:
- Primary KBLI; and
- Supporting KBLI.
A Press Company Must Have One Primary KBLI
One of the most important changes is the express requirement for a press company to have one mandatory primary KBLI code.
The primary KBLI should describe the press company’s main activity.
The Press Council establishes seven KBLI codes that may serve as a press company’s primary KBLI.
1. KBLI 58120: Newspaper Publishing
This KBLI covers newspaper publishing, including newspapers containing advertising.
Its scope is not limited to print media. In the description included in the circular, newspaper publishing may take place in print, electronic, digital, analog, or other forms.
This matters for media companies that have transformed from conventional publishing into digital platforms.
2. KBLI 58130: Publishing of Journals and Periodicals
This group covers publishing of journals and other periodicals.
Publishing may also take place in various formats, including print and digital.
3. KBLI 60101: Analog Radio
This KBLI is used for radio broadcasting services using analog signals.
4. KBLI 60102: Digital Radio
This KBLI is intended for radio broadcasting using digital signals.
The distinction between analog and digital radio is one matter broadcasting companies need to consider when examining their actual operational activities.
5. KBLI 60202: Digital Television
This group covers television broadcasting and programming using digital signals through television broadcasting facilities.
6. KBLI 60311: Government News Agency Activities
This KBLI covers news gathering, collection, processing, and dissemination undertaken by the government through various media.
7. KBLI 60312: Private News Agency Activities
For private business entities undertaking news agency activities, KBLI 60312 covers news gathering, collection, processing, and dissemination through print or electronic media.
What About Supporting KBLI?
Media companies today often undertake activities broader than merely publishing news.
A media business may sell advertising, produce videos, publish books, organize conferences, and run training programs.
The 2026 Press Council Circular accommodates this by allowing companies to have supporting KBLI codes in addition to their primary KBLI.
Some listed supporting KBLI codes are:
- KBLI 18111: General Printing;
- KBLI 58110: Book Publishing;
- KBLI 59112: Private Motion Picture, Video, and Television Program Production Activities;
- KBLI 73100: Advertising Activities;
- KBLI 73202: Public Opinion Polling;
- KBLI 74193: Specialized Design Activities for Film, Video, Television Programs, Animation, and Comics;
- KBLI 82300: Organization of Conventions and Business Exhibitions; and
- KBLI 85582: Corporate Information and Communication Technology Training.
Primary and Supporting KBLI Should Not Be Interchanged
The distinction between them matters.
The primary KBLI must represent the company’s core activity as a press company.
Meanwhile, supporting KBLI codes are used for additional activities the company actually undertakes.
For example, a media company runs a news portal as its primary business but also produces commercial videos and organizes conferences.
Video production or event organization may be supporting activities, but the company still needs to ensure its primary KBLI describes the press activity forming its core business.
Because every company’s business structure differs, KBLI selection should be based on actual company activities, rather than simply following another media company’s codes.
JHY Legal can help media companies review their business activity structures and company documents to identify KBLI codes requiring attention based on the activities undertaken.
Who Needs to Make Adjustments?
The Press Council Circular distinguishes between companies applying for verification and companies already verified.
Companies Applying for Verification
Press companies applying to the Press Council for verification must fulfill these latest KBLI provisions.
KBLI should therefore be reviewed before the company enters the application process.
Companies Already Verified
Press companies previously verified by the Press Council also need to consider this change.
The Circular states that verified press companies must adjust their old KBLI numbers to the new KBLI numbers no later than when renewing verification status.
This provision matters because companies established or verified using the old KBLI structure should not assume that no adjustment is required.
What Should Media Companies Review?
Before making adjustments, companies can begin by mapping their business activities.
Check the KBLI Codes in the Deed
Because the circular connects press legal entity status with the inclusion of press KBLI codes in the company’s deed, this document is an important starting point for review.
Identify the Primary Business
The company needs to identify the activity that truly constitutes its primary business.
Does it operate as a newspaper publisher, periodical publisher, radio broadcaster, digital television broadcaster, or news agency?
This answer helps determine the relevant primary KBLI.
Map Supporting Businesses
Check whether the company also undertakes activities such as:
- advertising;
- video production;
- publishing;
- events;
- polling; or
- corporate training.
These activities may relate to supporting KBLI codes specified in the Press Council Circular.
Check Press Council Verification Status
If the company is already verified, check when its next verification status renewal takes place so that KBLI adjustments can be prepared earlier.
Do Not View KBLI Changes Solely as Changes to Numbers
One possible mistake is treating a KBLI update solely as replacing old codes with new ones.
Companies instead need to examine whether the codes actually describe their activities.
Modern media businesses often have several revenue sources and different business activities.
The KBLI structure should therefore reflect a clear distinction between the press company’s primary activity and its supporting commercial activities.
JHY Legal can assist companies in reviewing business activity structures and corporate documents relating to press company KBLI adjustments, particularly when companies need to prepare for compliance before Press Council verification or status renewal.
Conclusion
Press Council Circular Number 01/SE-DP/VIII/2026 introduces an important update for media companies in Indonesia.
Press companies now need to consider the latest KBLI provisions and ensure they have one primary KBLI matching the press activity they undertake. Companies are also allowed supporting KBLI codes for additional activities such as advertising, video production, book publishing, events, polling, and other activities listed in the circular.
Companies applying for Press Council verification need to consider these new provisions when preparing documents.
Meanwhile, companies already verified need to adjust their old KBLI codes to the new structure no later than when renewing verification status.
Because KBLI relates to company business activities and is also one aspect of legal entity status and press company verification, review should take place before the company enters verification or renewal.
This article provides general information and does not constitute legal advice. Read the JHY Legal disclaimer at https://jhylegal.com/disclaimer/.