Firms To Watch: Dispute resolution

Under the leadership of Ellrico Parulian Situmorang and Dovy Brilliant Hanoto, the disputes team at PSHP Law handles contentious work for clients in the aviation, hospitality, manufacturing and real estate sectors.

Firms in the Spotlight Dispute resolution

Frans Winarta & Partners

FWP has been recognized for its extensive experience and outstanding achievements in assisting clients with civil, criminal, IP and commercial litigation, and commercial arbitration for more than thirty years. The firm advises a wide range of clients, varying from national and multinational tobacco, oil and gas, aviations, automotives, and financial companies to domestic and foreign …

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Dispute resolution in Indonesia

Assegaf Hamzah & Partners

Assegaf Hamzah & Partners' practice is home to a sizeable corporate litigation team which handles the gamut of dispute resolution matters, including alternative dispute resolution (ADR). The group leverages the bench strength of the Rajah & Tann Singapore LLP Asia network to assist with a range of contentious cross-border matters. Department co-heads Chandra Hamzah and Eri Hertiawan are highly regarded practitioners, with established expertise in handling both litigation and arbitration. Simon Barrie Sasmoyo is experienced in handling complex cases involving financial and anti-corruption disputes. Heru Pamungkas was promoted to partner in April 2023.

Practice head(s):

Chandra Hamzah; Eri Hertiawan


Other key lawyers:

Simon Barrie Sasmoyo; Heru Pamungkas


Key clients

PT Tokopedia


PT Indonesia Airasia Extra


PT Meratus Line


PT Salam Pacific Indonesia Lines


PT Garuda Indonesia


PT Tirta Investama


PT Angkasapura II


PT Bank Mandiri Tbk


PT Citilink Indonesia


PT Coca Cola Indonesia


PT Danone Indonesia


PT Jakarta Industrial Estate Pulogadung


PT Jasa Marga (Persero) Tbk.


PT Loreal Indonesia


PT Mahanaim


Work highlights


  • Represented PT Tokopedia in a civil lawsuit regarding data privacy and consumer protection.
  • Defended AirAsia against passenger claims of alleged violations of the Indonesian consumer laws on the grounds of delay and inconvenience caused by issues during check-in.

Hadiputranto, Hadinoto & Partners, a member firm of Baker McKenzie

Hadiputranto, Hadinoto & Partners, a member firm of Baker McKenzie has an active disputes practice with the capacity to assist clients with a wide range of matters, including domestic and international arbitration and litigation. Other key areas of instruction include employment litigation, debt restructuring, insolvency litigation, and anti-bribery issues. As a member of the wider Baker McKenzie network, the firm leverages the expertise of offices in other jurisdictions to advise clients on cross-border disputes involving Indonesian elements. Practice head Andi Kadir is a well known practitioner in the arbitration and litigation spaces, with solid experience in handling SIAC and BANI arbitration cases.

Practice head(s):

Andi Kadir


Hiswara Bunjamin & Tandjung in association with Herbert Smith Freehills

Hiswara Bunjamin & Tandjung in association with Herbert Smith Freehills fields a team with extensive experience in advising on civil and criminal litigation, as well as domestic and international arbitration. The group's recent caseload includes high-profile tort disputes and anti-corruption matters. Practice head Debby Sulaiman is well known for her strength in ADR cases, and Prawidha Murti acts for domestic and international clients from a range of sectors, including energy, infrastructure, TMT and aviation. Roni Heilig Marpaung and Tedy Rachmanto are also key names to note.

Practice head(s):

Debby Sulaiman


Other key lawyers:

Prawidha Murti; Roni Heilig Marpaung; Tedy Rachmanto


Testimonials

‘The firm employs a hands on approach. Knowledgeable with a good make-up of partners and associates. One of the strongest firms in Indonesia for disputes. Knows the local players and market.’

‘Stand out practitioners with a practical approach. Work fast to resolve difficult cases.’

‘Debby Sulaiman is an excellent disputes lawyer who handles cases in a practical and efficient manner.’

‘Roni Heilig Marpaung does a fantastic job in pushing cases forward.’

Key clients

Parbulk II


Australian Broadcasting Corporation


Maybank Asset Management


Chandra Asri Petrochemical


Singapore Chamber of Maritime Arbitration


Agoda


Work highlights


  • Advising Parbulk II AS on filing a claim concerning an alleged breach of contract against PT Humpuss Intermoda Transportasi Tbk, regarding a dispute arising out of a corporate guarantee, governed by English law, for a vessel charter.
  • Representing PT Maybank Asset Management in a corruption and money laundering investigation concerning the alleged mismanagement of investments by state-owned insurer PT Asuransi Jiwasraya (Persero).
  • Acting for petrochemical producer PT Chandra Asri Petrochemical Tbk in a tort claim brought by a vessel owner.

ABNR Counsellors at Law

ABNR Counsellors at Law's large dispute resolution practice has a strong track record in handling a broad spread of ADR, litigation, and domestic and international arbitration cases. Sahat Siahaan has experience in acting for clients up to Supreme Court level, and jointly heads the department with Ulyarta Naibaho, who fields expertise in contentious shipping matters, cybercrime, FDI, and corporate crime matters. Bilal Anwari is noted for his strength in handling competition and antitrust issues.

Practice head(s):

Sahat Siahaan; Ulyarta Naibaho


Other key lawyers:

Bilal Anwari


Key clients

PT Dayamitra Telekomunikasi, Tbk


PT Multi Bintang Indonesia


General Electric (GE)


Pt Baker Hughes Indonesia


NYK Line


Merck & Co., Inc.


PT Merck Sharp Dohme Pharma Tbk


Gunnebo Group


PT Indolok Bakti Utama


PT Chubb Safes Indonesia


Daimler Group


Bank Artha Graha International


Saipem S.p.A.


National Oilwell Varco (NOV)


Work highlights


  • Defended PT Temas Tbk and Capt. La Ode Alifatha against a tort claim brought by PT Asuransi FPG Indonesia relating to alleged damages to a jetty and equipment.
  • Defended Italian shipping company Mediterranea di Navigazione against a petition for a final judicial review filed by Indonesian state-owned shipbuilder PT PAL, relating to a high-value arbitration award made against the shipbuilder.
  • Represented the Indonesian and Singaporean operations of Bank CIMB Niaga against the state relating to the freezing of certain accounts managed by the bank.

Hanafiah Ponggawa & Partners – Dentons HPRP

Hanafiah Ponggawa & Partners – Dentons HPRP is well-placed to assist clients on domestic and cross-border cases, on its account of its alliance with Dentons. Managing partner and practice leader Sartono has demonstrable experience across a wide range of industries, including mining, energy, infrastructure and financial services. Commercial litigator Gading Sanyjaya represents clients in arbitration cases before the Indonesian National Arbitration Board, the Singapore International Arbitration Centre and the International Court of Arbitration.

Practice head(s):

Sartono; Linna Simamora; Danny Sinaga; Gading Sanjaya;Timothy Joseph Inkiriwang


Other key lawyers:

Fabian Buddy Pascoal


Testimonials

‘The team is highly capable in terms of understanding regulations and with communications with clients. It is the people who makes a difference. ’

‘Fabian Buddy Pascoal is an outstanding lawyer who is humble but most importantly, skillful. ’

Key clients

PT Nunukan Jaya Lestari


Cessna Finance Export Corporation


Makarim & Taira S.

Makarim & Taira S. is very well known in the Indonesian market for its broad dispute resolution practice. Rahayu Hoed is a highly regarded practitioner with an established track record in handling arbitration cases alongside employment, corporate and financing matters. Hoed co-heads the team with firm managing partner Lia Alizia, who fields extensive experience in representing clients before arbitration panels and Indonesian courts. Harris Toengkagie and Rudy Sitorus are key names in the group.

Practice head(s):

Rahayu Hoed; Lia Alizia


Other key lawyers:

Harris Toengkagie; Rudy Sitorus


Testimonials

‘They are knowledgeable, prompt and provide very useful advice. Lia Alizia is always the first person who comes to mind when my clients require advice on Indonesian law.’

‘They are very dependable and knowledgeable.’

Key clients

PT Daewoong Pharmaceutical Company Indonesia


SIMMONS & SIMMONS


PT Cirebon Energi Prasarana


EDWARDS WILDMAN


PT GOLD COIN / PT Gold Coin Specialties


Expeditors Indonesia


King & Spalding LLP


LG Electronics Inc


Palmsphere (L) Berhad


PERTAMINA Geothermal Energy


Pillsbury Winthrop Shaw Pittman LLP


Pinsent Masons LLP


TMI Associates


Chance Talent Management Limited


Work highlights


  • Acted for PT Cirebon Energi Prasarana in a dispute concerning the validity of the client’s environmental licence for the continuation and development of a power plant project.

Soemadipradja & Taher

With an excellent track record in representing government entities, multinational corporations and state-owned enterprises, Soemadipradja & Taher handles a wide spectrum of dispute resolution, including litigation, arbitration and mediation. The team is well known for representing clients before the Indonesian Supreme Court, and regularly handles arbitration cases, as well as advising on the enforcement of foreign arbitration awards. Nira Nazarudin, Ahmad Djosan, Romi Emirat and Erie Hotman Tobing collectively lead the practice. Of counsel Hafzan Taher, Adam Sutan and Winotia Ratna are also singled out for their contributions.

Practice head(s):

Nira Nazarudin; Ahmad Djosan; Romi Emirat; Erie Hotman Tobing


Other key lawyers:

Hafzan Taher; Adam Sutan; Winotia Ratna


Testimonials

‘The advice provided by Soemadipradja & Taher is satisfying. They do deep research when providing advice to clients.’

‘Romi Emirat and Winotia Ratna are very responsive and approachable. They value client time and business.’

Key clients

PT Alu Sentosa


PT Logos Indonesia Cileungsi One


PT Pertamina EP


PT Pertamina Patra Niaga


PT Piayu Samudra Bali


PT TotalEnergies Marketing Indonesia


Work highlights


  • Acted for a Germany-based multinational cosmetics company in proceedings arising from a dispute with an Indonesian company over the appointment of members of the board of directors and the board of commissioners at the client’s Indonesian subsidiary.
  • Assisted PT Alu Sentosa with litigation in relation to the revocation of its mining license by the government of Indonesia.
  • Advised an aircraft leasing company based in Ireland on filing nullification applications against a homologation decision rendered by the Central Jakarta Commercial Court.

AFS Partnership

At AFS Partnership, the commercial disputes group is headed up by Bryan Bernadi, and acts for clients on a wide range of cases, including shareholder disputes and contractual litigation. The criminal law department is spearheaded by Andar Reinhard Hasiholan Panggabean and advises domestic and international clients on investigations into alleged corruption. Managing partner Andi Fanano Simangunsong has extensive experience in handling commercial and criminal proceedings.

Practice head(s):

Andi Fanano Simangunsong; Bryan Bernadi; Andar Reinhard Hasiholan Panggabean


Testimonials

‘AFS is a unique firm with capable people. They are able to communicate well with clients.’

‘Andi Simangunsong manages cases well.’

‘The team is solid and helpful. Andi Simangunsong and the other senior lawyers are eager to learn and are always up to date on recent law and regulations.’

‘AFS Partnership has impressive team players who are always knowledgeable. They outline, in clear language, the steps in the process that need to be done.’

‘They give good advice. They are very straightforward and tell you what to expect next.’

Key clients

PT. Bank QNB Indonesia Tbk and Qatar National Bank (Q.P.S.C) Singapore Branch


PT. Dwi Satrya Utama


PT. MNC Sekuritas


PT. ZTE Indonesia


OCP Asia (Singapore) Pte Limited


PT. Global Mediacom Tbk


PT. Maybank Asset Management


PT. Rajawali Citra Televisi Indonesia


PT. Aneka Tambang Tbk


PT. SAP Indonesia


Work highlights


  • Defended PT. Bank QNB Indonesia and Qatar National Bank (Singapore branch) against a tort lawsuit filed by a debtor for the cancellation of a facility agreement on the grounds that the agreement is allegedly against Indonesian law.
  • Acted for PT. Dwi Satrya Utama in a tort lawsuit filed by the majority shareholder against the client.
  • Acting for PT. ZTE Indonesia in proceedings relating to the high-profile investigation into alleged corruption concerning the 4G BTS project.

Hogan Lovells in association with Dewi Negara Fachri & Partners

At Hogan Lovells in association with Dewi Negara Fachri & Partners, the dispute resolution practice's 'breadth and depth of expertise and experience is excellent'. The team represents clients in domestic and cross-border cases, and is active in international arbitration, ADR, and regulatory matters. Managing partner Chalid Heyder has a solid track record in handling litigation as well as BANI, SIAC and ICC arbitration cases; he co-heads the department with Teguh Darmawan.

Practice head(s):

Chalid Heyder; Teguh Darmawan


Testimonials

‘Chalid Heyder and Teguh Darmawan are both seasoned litigators with a wealth of experience in handling internal investigations.’

‘The team is very professional with great efficiency. Their opinions, solutions and suggestions are always very detailed and easy to implement.’

‘Chalid Heyder and Teguh Darmawan understand clients’ projects and issues well. Their attitude of making the best effort for a project is always valuable.’

‘The team consists of seasoned and prominent commercial dispute lawyers known in the market.’

‘The individuals are quick learners. They understand a client’s requirements from the viewpoint of the client.’

‘The firm researches and analyzes each potential option in a complex negotiation or litigation.’

‘It is an outstanding firm with highly competent and skilled senior associates and partners in the dispute resolution practice.’

Key clients

Honeywell Indonesia


Champion Kurnia Widjaja Technology


Work highlights


  • Acted for a multinational conglomerate in litigation arising from a government project in which the project owner and the main contractor were convicted of corruption.
  • Defended PT Champion Kurnia Djaja Technologies against a US$1.5 million tort claim brought by an absent employee, citing alleged mistreatment by one of the company directors; the firm also assisted the client with a related dispute arising from employment termination proceedings brought against the same employee.

Nurjadin Sumono Mulyadi & Partners

Nurjadin Sumono Mulyadi & Partners' team stands out for its expertise in the banking and finance sector, with noted strength in handling mortgage disputes and contentious insolvency cases. The firm also represents clients from the food and beverage and consumer goods sectors in disputes. Practice head Mulyadi has an established track record in advising on civil and criminal litigation, commercial arbitration, and bankruptcy and insolvency-related disputes.

Practice head(s):

Mulyadi


Testimonials

‘The team under Mulyadi is very helpful and provides legal direction effectively and efficiently.’


SSEK Law Firm

SSEK Law Firm advises domestic and international clients on a broad range of matters, including employment disputes and anti-corruption issues. Key sector strengths for the group include shipping, natural resources and construction disputes. Dewi Savitri Reni leads the practice and regularly acts for domestic companies and multinational corporations in dispute resolution. Michael Carl assists clients with debt restructurings, and has a strong track record in advising on mining and natural resources disputes.

Practice head(s):

Dewi Savitri Reni


Other key lawyers:

Michael Carl


Key clients

Rolls-Royce


GE Power


Credit Suisse Group AG


Nissan


General Motors


Mitsubishi Electric


Yamaha Motor


Ford


Work highlights


  • Defended PT Krakatau Posco all the way up to the Supreme Court against a lawsuit filed by former seconded employees.
  • Assisted a Chinese multinational client with the enforcement of a SIAC arbitration award against an Indonesian company.

TNB & Partners in association with Norton Rose Fulbright

TNB & Partners in association with Norton Rose Fulbright' team acts for domestic companies in international arbitration, investigations and enforcement matters, often involving cross-border elements. Managing partner Kresna Panggabean heads up the practice, and brings experience in representing agricultural, oil and gas and mining sector clients in criminal and civil litigation and ADR matters.

Practice head(s):

Kresna Panggabean


Testimonials

‘Good quality of work and very responsive.’

Key clients

Noble Plantations Pte Ltd


TIMWE Asia Pacific SDN. BHD


PT Schlumberger Geophysics Nusantara


PT IOL Indonesia, a subsidiary of Bureau Veritas group


Work highlights


  • Defended Noble Plantations against a claim to cancel the distribution of the bankruptcy estate of PT Pusaka Agro Lestari.
  • Defending TIMWE Asia Pacific against an in absentia court decision.
  • Advised the syndicated lenders on the suspension of payment obligation of telecoms company PT Net Satu Indonesia; the firm is also advising on the restructuring strategy for PT Net Satu.

UMBRA – Strategic Legal Solutions

UMBRA – Strategic Legal Solutions advises clients on arbitration and litigation, and has particular strength in handling instructions from the manufacturing, retail, pharmaceutical and oil and gas sectors. Practice head Melati Siregar has expertise in litigation and ADR, and assists with banking, real estate and labour disputes.

Practice head(s):

Melati Siregar