Markit wrote
Securing your access/road, getting permission from your neighbors to even build, getting an IMB from the local offices, getting the local PLN to give you business power (cheaper) as opposed to private citizen, best places to buy your shit, etc. etc.
I wonder that anyone even asked?
I have a slightly different perspective, but come to the same conclusion that hiring a Bali-based architect is probably a good decision for most people.
Regarding the points above, hopefully the access road was secured in the land acquisition, either through outright purchase/lease or other formal permission, otherwise there is a potentially expensive problem. Bordering neighbours do have to sign a 'no objection' letter as part of the IMB documentation, though I'd suggest that a respected friend from the banjar who knows the neighbours would be more helpful than an architect in obtaining these signatures. Fair point regarding IMB, since there may be questions about the design/spec, however as long as the architect or his/her staff can speak Bahasa Indonesia there is no problem. As for PLN power connection, most architects are not qualified to design detailed MEP plans (though some 'jack of all trades' local cowboys do so anyway, with mixed results), so whoever is doing the MEP design work would be better suited to speak with PLN - but again as long as that person speaks Indonesian there shouldn't be an issue.
However, I support the recommendation to hire a local (ie Bali-based) architect for two reasons not mentioned, and that is availability and time. Especially now during the pandemic, having a Bali-based architect is a lot more convenient than having someone try to fly in from wherever, even from Java... And, irrespective of the pandemic, a locally based architect, either Indonesian or foreign, will be able to devote more on site time to the project, which is always a good thing.
