The Legal 500

Ali Budiardjo, Nugroho, Reksodiputro is particularly well known for its energy financing expertise. The team recently advised a joint venture of Japanese, Korean and Indonesian companies on a LNG project to develop natural gas fields in Sulawesi province. Oene Marseille is highly recommended.

Hadiputranto, Hadinoto & Partners has a strong reputation for its projects practice that consistently advises on some of the biggest deals in the market. The highly regarded Luke Devine heads the practice, which has seen an increase in mining transactions, particularly from Indian and Chinese investors. Recent highlights include advising Reliance Coal Resources on the acquisition of three mining concessions and two companies in Southern Sumatra; and advising the Korea Electric Power corporation in its acquisition of a $520m interest in listed coal mining group Banyan Resources.

Hiswara Bunjamin & Tandjung ‘understands the Indonesian legal system and is able to provide very practical innovative solutions’. The practice recently advised Thai coal mining company Banpu on the sale of a $400m stake in its listed local subsidiary to PT Indo Tambangraya Megah. The ‘phenomenal’ David Dawborn leads the team and is known for his oil and gas expertise, and the ‘excellent’ Mira Fadhya is recommended for her knowledge of the local regulatory environment. Brian Scott is also rated.

Makarim & Taira S.’s team has been particularly active advising clients on mining acquisitions. Standout mandates included representing both ESCO Corporation and Asia Resources Holdings on two separate acquisitions of mining companies. Practice head Rahayu Ningsih Hoed and Gregory Ranslam are recommended.

Mochtar Karuwin Komar experienced an increase in inbound work from Chinese investors, and recently advised GDF Suez on a tender submission in connection with the Central Java 1000 MW independent power project. Ahmad Djoyosugito is the main contact.

The team at Soemadipradja & Taher 
has good links with Australian energy companies and recently advised Vallar plc on a $3bn acquisition of a stake in both Berau Coal and Bumi resources. The ‘extremely knowledgeable and pleasant to work with’ Rahmat 
Soemadipradja leads the team, which also includes Fadjar Widjaksana Kandar (‘calm and thorough, lethal in his persuasion’), and Haydn Dare (‘can navigate through the bewildering variety of Indonesian laws with ease’).

Soewito Suhardiman Eddymurthy Kardono is known for advising sponsors on mining acquisitions. The team recently advised Exxon Natuna on regulatory issues surrounding its multibillion-dollar oil and gas development in Natuna.

Widyawan & Partners has a strong reputation on oil and gas projects, particularly upstream work. Widyawan leads the practice, which recently represented Inpex Masela on the development of the world’s first floating LNG plant. The team is also developing its PPP expertise and continues to represent Bappenas and the Indonesian government on the development of 24 stalled toll road projects. David Holme is also recommended.

Assegaf Hamzah & Partners leverages its strong corporate expertise, and in 2010 continued to advise Recapital Advisors in the financing for the acquisition of 90% ownership in Berau Coal, one of the largest coal producers in Indonesia. Ahmad Fikri Assegaf is recommended.

Bahar & Partners is known for its expertise in both debt and equity capital markets work for energy clients. Managing partner Wahyuni Bahar is recommended.

Newcomer Ginting & Reksodiputro in association with Allen & Overy recently advised the lenders in a major new port development project and tank terminal at Tanjung Priok in Jakarta. The team also has experience advising coal clients.

Hanafiah Ponggawa & Partners is strong on project finance work, particularly for power projects. Al Hakim Hanafiah and Andre Rahadian lead the practice.

Lubis Ganie Surowidjojo’s expertise covers mining, toll roads and other infrastructure projects. Mohamed Idwan (Kiki) Ganie is recommended.

Makes & Partners has an excellent reputation for project finance and capital markets matters for coal mining and energy companies. The highly recommended Yozua Makes leads the team, which recently advised Kim Eng Securities and Deutsche Bank on the IPO of a major local plantation company.

Mataram Partners has experience in coal mining projects, and recently advised an oil and gas company on the development of a gas pipeline in Sumatra, as well as several gas supply agreements. Oliver Wright, Andi Zulfikar and Rina Lee are recommended.

Oentoeng Suria & Partners has a strong pedigree in the mining and natural resources sector, and recently advised Santos on several gas sale arrangements relating to an offshore gas project near Madura Island in East Java. The firm benefits from a close alliance with Blake Dawson. Noor Meurling leads a team that includes Toby Grainger (‘very client orientated’) and Avinash Panjabi (‘very good communication skills’).

Susandarini & Partners’ practice is particularly strong on cross-border mining matters and receives a high number of referrals on major projects matters through the Norton Rose Australia network. It continues to advise on the $2.5bn 2000MW Java independent power project. Ross Ramsay and Rick Beckmann are recommended.

Brigitta I. Rahayoe & Partners has a solid track record advising on mining deals. Brigitta Rahayoe is recommended.

The ‘invaluable’ team at Christian Teo Purwono & Partners continues to advise Australian mining company Innovation West on the potential acquisition of several coal and manganese mines. Bill Sullivan is recommended on mining matters. Christian Teo is recommended for his niche telecoms practice and recently represented Saudi Telecom on local regulatory matters.

Hadromi & Partners has experience on hard and soft mining projects. Iqbal Hadromi heads the practice, which recently advised India-based the Apple Group of Companies in its investment in coal mining projects in Kalimantan and Sumatra. Other highlights included advising Fremery Resources on a joint venture for an iron ore mining project.

Hendra Soenardi advises energy companies on project finance matters. Eddy Hendra is the main contact.

Hutabarat Halim & Rekan represents mining companies, and recently advised cigarette company Djarum in connection with the hostile takeover of a local forestry company. Peter Fanning and Pheo M Hutabarat are recommended.

KarimSyah continues to advise oil and gas companies on international arbitration and other related disputes matters. Karen Mills is recommended.