Assegaf Hamzah & Partners has a sizeable disputes practice with a deep range of expertise; the team handles the full range of disputes work from commercial and competition to intellectual property, tort and employment disputes. The practice has qualified mediators and arbitrators and acts for clients internationally, including appearing before the Court of Arbitration for Sport in Lausanne, Switzerland. Eri Hertiawan co-heads the disputes practice and has extensive experience in commercial disputes, alternative disputes resolution, aviation and shipping sectors. Hertiawan is also a member of the SIAC Court of Arbitration. Co-founding partner Chandra Hamzah is also noted and has a strong background in banking, restructuring and anti-corruption.
Dispute resolution in Indonesia
Assegaf Hamzah & Partners
Practice head(s):
Chandra M. Hamzah; Eri Hertiawan
Testimonials
‘Assegaf Hamzah and Partners has a versatile team which consists of individuals with excellent expertise that makes an outstanding team for tackling litigation, dispute and advisory for clients.’
‘During the pandemic, AHP is still able to gather the team and provide seamless legal services to us, including provide webinars.’
‘The team showcases an excellent understanding of the Indonesian’ System and is very well connected with many stakeholders.’
Key clients
Asian Development Bank
Bright Mobile Telecommunication PT (Oppo)
Coca Cola Amatil Indonesia
Jones Lang LaSalle
K2 Data Center
Lotte Chemical
Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM)
PT Aneka Tambang Tbk
PT Angkasapura II
PT Bank Mandiri Tbk
PT Citilink Indonesia
PT Coca Cola Indonesia
PT Danone Indonesia
PT Garuda Indonesia
PT Hero Supermarket
PT Indonesia Asahan Aluminium (Persero)
PT Jakarta Industrial Estate Pulogadung
PT Jasa Marga (Persero) Tbk.
PT Loreal Indonesia
PT Mahanaim
PT Mandiri AXA General Insurance
PT Meratus
PT Nirvana Wastu Pratama
PT Salam Pacific Indonesia Lines
PT Tirta Investama
PT Tokopedia
PT Traveloka Indonesia
PT Unilever Indonesia PTbk.
PT Vale Indonesia Tbk.
Regus Business Centre Indonesia PT
Singapore International Arbitration Centre
Work highlights
- Representing PT Garuda Indonesia (Persero) Tbk in an alleged fraud case against Rolls Royce Plc and its subsidiary.
- Successfully defended PT Tokopedia in a civil lawsuit regarding data privacy and consumer protection.
- Successfully defenced PT Vale Indonesia Tbk in a breach of contract dispute against PT Lusiana Group Indonesia before the Palopo District Court.
Hadiputranto, Hadinoto & Partners, a member firm of Baker McKenzie
Hadiputranto, Hadinoto & Partners, a member firm of Baker McKenzie has an experienced cross-border disputes practice that handles class actions, commercial arbitration, insolvency litigation, debt restructuring, employment litigation, environmental litigation/regulatory investigation, compliance and anti-bribery issues. Practice head Andi Kadir has expertise handling contentious restructuring and insolvency litigation, as well as regulatory proceedings. International arbitration is another area of strength and Kadir is the co-chairman of the arbitration and ADR commission of ICC Indonesia. Timur Sukirno retired in July 2021.
Practice head(s):
Andi Kadir
Other key lawyers:
Brian Manuel; Bernard Sihombing
Testimonials
‘What makes HHP good is that they cover all litigation issues while providing you with commercial opinions at the same time.’
Work highlights
- Advised 14 financial institutions as syndicate creditors to the Tiphone group, which, along with its four subsidiary entities, was declared to be under court-supervised restructuring in 2020.
- Acted for Qatar National Bank throughout the litigation process from the pre-litigation stage, to litigating in the courts.
- Acted for 28 offshore and onshore financial institutions in two high profile restructuring cases, with the total value of claims around $450m.
Hiswara Bunjamin & Tandjung in association with Herbert Smith Fr
Hiswara Bunjamin & Tandjung in association with Herbert Smith Freehills advises a wide variety of domestic and international clients on civil and criminal disputes, as well as arbitration. The team is regularly instructed on civil litigation, domestic and international commercial arbitration, criminal investigations, employment and private wealth disputes. Practice head Narendra Adiyasa specialises in internal investigations and employment disputes, in addition to having a strong arbitration background. Debby Sulaiman leads the firm’s contentious restructuring and insolvency offering.
Practice head(s):
Narendra Adiyasa; Debby Sulaiman
Testimonials
‘They are knowledgeable and understand our commercial needs. HBT is very responsive and they work very well under pressure.’
‘Every individual at HBT is very responsive. They’re very easy going and we are always very comfortable bringing our legal issues to them.’
‘Friendly team, sound and grounded advice, well-rounded practice, real expertise and insights into local and cross-border litigation issues.’
Key clients
BNP Paribas
Bridgestone
Carrier Corporation
Commonwealth Bank of Australia
Hutchison Ports Holding Limited
Jakarta International Container Terminal
Kookmin Bank
Nordic Aviation Capital
PT Maybank Asset Management
Toshiba Corporation
Work highlights
- Represented PT Indo Pancadasa Agrotama in a successful Singapore-seated SIAC arbitration involving a mining dispute.
Soemadipradja & Taher
Soemadipradja & Taher represents multinationals, government entities and state-owned enterprises at all levels of the Indonesian courts and regulatory agencies such as the Indonesian Competition Commission. The team has an impressive range of expertise that covers administrative, aviation, bankruptcy, construction and tax disputes. Nira Sari Nazarudin specialises in commercial litigation and arbitration and heads the practice alongside founding partner Hafzan Taher. Romi Emirat and Erie Hotman Tobing are also noted.
Practice head(s):
Hafzan Taher; Nira Nazarudin
Other key lawyers:
Romi Emirat; Erie Hotman Tobing; Winotia Ratna
Testimonials
‘Solid team. Very professional and client-oriented. They are very responsive, reliable and conscientious.’
Key clients
PT Astra Honda Motor
PT Asuransi Jasa Indonesia
Work highlights
- Successfully defended PT Astra Honda Motor in proceedings arising from alleged breaches of the Indonesian competition law.
- Represented PT Asuransi Jasa Indonesia (Persero) in civil court proceedings arising from a contractual dispute relating to a Loss of Licence policy.
ABNR Counsellors at Law
ABNR Counsellors at Law frequently represent clients before the Indonesian Supreme Court, as well as regularly representing clients in arbitration proceedings in the Indonesian National Arbitration Center (BANI). The team also has experience in international arbitration forums such as SIAC, KLIAC and HKIAC. Sahat Siahaan is an experienced litigator and specialises in commercial, shipping, construction and infrastructure disputes. Ulyarta Naibaho is another experienced litigator and focuses her disputes practice on commercial, shipping, FDI and mining disputes, and more.
Practice head(s):
Sahat Siahaan; Ulyarta Naibaho
Other key lawyers:
Giffy Pardede
Testimonials
‘The ABNR team is very professional, thoughtful, responsive and helpful. ABNR lawyers provide excellent legal advice and representation, with outstanding client service.’
‘Giffy Pardede is an exceptional partner and practitioner. He provides meaningful legal advice in dispute resolution. He offers solutions to every problem, and then successfully executes those solutions expeditiously.’
‘Each lawyer in the team is brilliant and came with their unique point of view.’
Key clients
PT Multi Bintang Indonesia
General Electric (GE) and its Indonesian subsidiary, Pt Baker Hughes Indonesia, and PT Baker Hughes’ subsidiaries
NYK Line
Merck & Co., Inc., and its Indonesian subsidiary PT Merck Sharp Dohme Pharma Tbk
Gunnebo Group, the Sweden-based security products provider, and its Indonesian subsidiaries, PT Indolok Bakti Utama and PT Chubb Safes Indonesia
PT Merck Tbk, the Indonesian subsidiary of Merck KGaA
Daimler Group, and its Indonesian subsidiaries PT Daimler Commercial Vehicles Indonesia (DCVI), PT Mercedes Benz Indonesia (MBIna), PT Mercedes Benz Distribution Indonesia (MBDIna)
Bank Artha Graha International Saipem S.p.A., and its Indonesian subsidiary, PT Saipem Indonesia
National Oilwell Varco (NOV) and its Indonesian subsidiaries, PT NOV Indonesia and PT National Oilwell Varco
PT Kereta Api Indonesia
Work highlights
Hanafiah Ponggawa & Partners
Hanafiah Ponggawa & Partners has an active presence in the disputes space, particularly in disputes relating to employment, restructuring and insolvency. Recent hightlights also include civil and administrative disputes, antitrust and competition proceedings. Practice head Sartono has a broad commercial litigation and arbitration practice, with experience handling land disputes, tort cases, bankruptcy proceedings and state administrative (TUN) cases. Danny Bonar Sinaga has experience representing clients in the mining, shipping, oil and gas, consumer goods and financial services industries, and Linna Simamora focuses on employment and IP litigation.
Practice head(s):
Sartono; Linna Simamora; Danny Bonar Sinaga
Testimonials
‘The team is reliable, experienced and has a strong work ethic.’
‘Pak Sartono always provides us with practical insights given his wealth of experience in the litigation fields. We find him exceptionally hard-working and always available for us 24/7.’
Key clients
Taiko Plantations Pte. Ltd
PT Nunukan Jaya Lestari
PT Hago Igur Energy
PT Epiroc Southern Asia
PT China Sonangol Media Investment
RHB Bank Berhad Singapore
Work highlights
- Assisted PT Nunukan Jaya Lestari in filing a state administrative lawsuit against the Regent of Nunukan Regency.
- Assisted Taiko Plantations in an antitrust case due to post-acquisition late filling notification.
- Assisted PT Hago Igur Energy with filing a civil lawsuit against several oil companies related to unlawful possession and usage of data survey.
Makarim & Taira S.
Makarim & Taira S. is a ‘strong firm‘ and its disputes team is praised for its ‘practical commercial sense‘ and ‘good communication skills‘. The practice has a broad range of expertise with particular emphasis in projects disputes. The female-led practice has litigation specialist Rahayu Ningsih Hoed at the helm and is supported by Lia Alizia , who is praised by clients for her ‘excellent‘ legal knowledge and ‘concise‘ advice. Alexandra FM Gerungan left the firm in September 2020. Other changes include the recent alliance with Singapore firm Drew & Napier LLC and Shearn Delamore & Co in Malaysia, forming the Drew Network Asia regional legal network, further bolstering the firm’s cross-border capabilities.
Practice head(s):
Rahayu N. Hoed
Other key lawyers:
Lia Alizia; Rudy Andreas Sitorus
Testimonials
‘Lia Alizia leads a strong firm with talents in many areas.’
‘The team offers creative strategies and solutions for client’s problems.’
‘Lia and her team give good, clear and practical counsel, which we greatly appreciate.’
‘Makarim has assisted us with an Indonesian arbitration matter for a Global Fortune 500 client against a prominent Indonesian state-owned listed company. The firm gave an overall impression of soundness and practical commercial sense. Definitely one to keep on our panel to refer work to – communication skills are good.’
‘Lia Alizia and Made Susanti. Lia is excellent in her knowledge of Indonesian laws and more importantly the culture and was able to quickly and concisely analyze the case and present the relative strengths and weaknesses of the matter with a sound and practical strategy for moving forth. Susan (Made Susanti) is ever responsive and detailed in her handling of our matter and very patient. ’
‘This is a small dedicated team that can protect clients’ interests in the Indonesian courts. They are able to recommend creative strategies and solutions.’
Key clients
PT Central Java Power
PT Jingdong Indonesia Pertama
PT Cirebon Energi Prasarana
PT Pentastra Pacific Invest
PT Cikarang Listrindo Tbk
Euravia Engineering and Supply Co. Ltd.
POS-SEA Pte Ltd.
Work highlights
- Acting for one of the largest U.S.-based IT companies in a IDR12.3 billion dispute filed by one of its former directors.
- Advising a publicly listed independent power producer company in a state administrative dispute in relation to its pipeline license involving various claims totalling more than IDR1 trillion or approx. $70m.
- Representing the largest clean water operator in Batam Island in relation to the termination of its clean water supply concession agreement, a matter valued at IDR1.4 trillion.
SSEK Legal Consultants
SSEK Legal Consultants has an active disputes practice and represents a wide variety of multinationals, particularly in the natural resources space. It also regularly handles employment disputes. Practice head Dewi Savitri Reni is the driving force behind the growth of the firm’s disputes practice and specialises in arbitration and litigation, with an emphasis on debt restructurings. Michael Carl also has a strong litigation and arbitration practice and has a strong background in the mining and natural resources sectors.
Practice head(s):
Dewi Savitri Reni
Other key lawyers:
Michael Carl
Key clients
GE Power
United Overseas Bank (UOB)
Jakarta Intercultural School
Rolls-Royce
Technip
Nissan
General Motors
PT Bakrie Telecom Tbk
Mitsubish Electric
BlackBerry
Work highlights
- Assisted a multinational energy technology company in resolving a contractual dispute through a binding opinion process at the Indonesia National Board of Arbitration (BANI).
- Successfully represented a motorcycle manufacturer against a consumer lawsuit related to alleged cartel practices.
- Successfully defended a steel manufacturer in an industrial relations dispute brought by a former employee to the Serang Industrial Relations Court over pay and benefits.
Budidjaja International Lawyers
Budidjaja International Lawyers showcases an in-depth understanding of the local regulatory authorities and has a strong sector-focused practice. Practice head Tony Budidjaja has a broad commercial disputes practice, with expertise in bankruptcy, corporate restructuring, natural resources and environmental law. Budidjaja is an Indonesian accredited advocate, mediator, and arbitrator.
Practice head(s):
Tony Budidjaja
Testimonials
‘I was very impressed with BIL’s professionalism across their departments, from their disputes lawyers to their billing team. They follow up proactively and respond promptly to queries.’
‘Professional, reliable and knowledgeable‘.
‘Tony Budidjaja stands out among other lawyers as being particularly responsive and professional.’
Hogan Lovells in association with Dewi Negara Fachri & Partners
Hogan Lovells in association with Dewi Negara Fachri & Partners has an experienced cross-border disputes practice and clients are able to benefit from the firm’s access to a global legal network. Managing partner Chalid Heyder is particularly skilled at bankruptcy and restructuring related disputes. On the senior associate level, Dyah Paramita is ‘precise and methodical‘ and specialises in international arbitration, and Teguh Darmawan has a strong anti-bribery and corruption disputes practice.
Practice head(s):
Chalid Heyder
Other key lawyers:
Dyah Paramita; Teguh Darmawan
Testimonials
‘The legal assistance provided by their senior legal counsel, Teguh Darmawan, and his team is outstanding. Teguh Darmawan and his team have in-depth knowledge on the laws, very experienced in its practical implementation and how to strategize it to support the client’s best interests.’
‘They’re really good at criminal investigations and international arbitration, they also handle general disputes but I think they are frontliners in these specialisms. They are capable of deploying tools to image the company’s server and apply programmes to crawl the data in fraud and corruption investigation, it’s just phenomenal. They also have a very resourceful team in their international arbitration practice, especially with their exclusive tie-in with Hogan Lovells’ network. It feels like you’re working with a truly global, but also truly local, firm.’
‘Chalid Heyder is very good at strategising in any kind of crisis, he’s also very good in court-related bankruptcy and debt restructuring process. Dyah Paramita is really good in international arbitration and has an extraordinary way of thinking five steps ahead of the problem, she also handles police and KPK investigation very well. Teguh Darmawan is a wise figure who thinks with a cool head and is very reliable in the aspects of anti-bribery and corruption. Their team dynamic is very interesting, it’s like you have the fire and the ice and everything in between.’
‘The team took the time to really understand the “drivers” of our business. In turn, this ensured that the advice provided was in a format/in a level of detail that could readily be used by internal non-legal business stakeholders. In addition, the advice added focus to commercial considerations that not all law firms are comfortable weighing in on. They were not afraid to “take a view” on matters that are not black/ white from a legal perspective, due to the legal landscape of Indonesia.’
‘Dyah Paramita – an excellent senior associate who works in a precise and methodical matter. In a complex instruction that involved many technical details, Dyah really took the time and effort to understand the various intricacies, which then followed through to meaningful and practical advice.’
‘The dispute resolution team has in-depth knowledge on the laws, very experienced in its practical implementation and how to strategize it to support the client’s best interests. Their response is excellently fast. The team is very approachable compared to other firms. The services offered by the HLDNFP dispute resolution practice include white collar, investigation and compliance practices which are unique because, to my knowledge, there are only a few firms in Jakarta that render these services. Their legal fees are also competitive compared to other big law firms.’
Nurjadin Sumono Mulyadi & Partners
Nurjadin Sumono Mulyadi & Partners represents clients before all the major courts in Indonesia. Practice head Mulyadi specialises in contractual disputes and employment litigation.
Practice head(s):
Mulyadi
Oentoeng Suria & Partners
Oentoeng Suria & Partners has an experienced disputes team that handles a broad range of litigation work, from corporate criminal investigations and construction disputes to disputes involving family law. Practice head Prawidha Murti has a strong cross-border litigation and international arbitration practice, with notable experience representing foreign clients in the Indonesian Arbitration Centre, as well as handling commercial disputes in the Indonesian civil and bankruptcy courts.
Practice head(s):
Prawidha Murti
Key clients
PT Hein Global Utama
Credit Suisse (Switzerland) Ltd.
Work highlights
- Representing PT Hein Global Utama as a EPC contractor of a 2×100 Coal-fired Steam power plant project in a civil court dispute against its subcontractors.
- Representing Evergreen Fibreboard Berhad in a dispute against one of its partner shareholders of one of Indonesia’s largest fibreboard companies.
BRAVA & RIZA Advocates
BRAVA & RIZA Advocates is a boutique law firm that specialises in commercial litigation, dispute resolution and arbitration. Key areas of focus include litigation involving construction, employment, M&A and insurance. Muhammad Riza has substantial litigation experience and is ‘very responsive‘. The practice is praised for its ‘high success rate‘ and ‘forward-thinking‘ approach.
Practice head(s):
Muhammad Riza
Testimonials
‘BRAVA & RIZA Advocates has some young lawyers that work well with forward-thinking, very good teamwork and high ability to learn. This law firm will develop in the future and provide their excellent legal services to their clients.’
‘M. Riza as a partner is very easy to work with and understands the client’s needs. He is also willing to conduct collaboration with the University as a guest lecturer to share his practical knowledge.’
‘Mr. Riza has good communication skills, can describe in words (when meeting for consultation and discussion) and put it in writing that is clear, detailed, consistent and can be understood well. Mr. Riza is also a good listener. When the case comes our company comes as a team and each one is well looked after and tries to adjust the time and place that is convenient for all parties. He can also analyze and conclude a conclusion in terms of a good law which explains the basis of the legislation, assumptions if there are things that might happen in the future and estimates what the opponent’s movements are.’
‘They are very proud of the high success rate that the firm has achieved. I have never seen any other firm who are so confident and proud with their success rate. Their Founder & Managing Partner, Muhammad Riza, is an excellent lawyer who also has a high success rate in handling litigation cases.’
‘Their Founder & Managing Partner, Muhammad Riza, is an excellent lawyer and litigator. He uses unusual methods such as mock trials to understand the opponents’ strategy. He is very responsive and helpful. He is also a good mentor to his associates.’
Key clients
PT Mufidah Medika Sawangan
PT Permata Keluarga Husada
PT Javanegra Nusantara
PT Javanegra Gastronomica Sejahtera
PT Selera Pangan Harum
PT Kredit Pintar Indonesia
PT Excel Meg Indo
PT Ace Bio Care
PT UPL Indonesia
PT Dapur Selera Kita
Work highlights
- Represented PT Mufidah Medika Sawangan on a breach of contract of the construction of the hospital building case with its contractor in court.
Harvardy, Marieta & Mauren - Attonrneys at Law
Arbitration forms a core practice for Harvardy, Marieta & Mauren – Attonrneys at Law and the firm has represented clients before the Badan Arbitrase Nasional Indonesia Center and Singapore International Arbitration Center. Founding partner Harvardy Iqbal is the key name to note.
Practice head(s):
Harvardy Iqbal
Work highlights
Leks&Co
Leks&Co has a leading real estate litigation practice. The team also handles a range of contentious work involving procurement, shipping and energy projects. Ivor Pasaribu is recommended.
Practice head(s):
Ivor Pasaribu
Other key lawyers:
Eddy M. Leks
Testimonials
‘Leks & Co team has a very committed team and they put their best effort.’
‘They are reliable and very proper in delivering their services.’
Key clients
Governor of DKI Jakarta
PT Pembangunan Deltamas
PT Abyor International
PT Boustead Maxitherm Industries
PT Bintang Baja Hitam
Work highlights
- Representing PT Abyor International as a defendant in South Jakarta State Court with regards to the unlawful act claim.
- Representing PT Pembangunan Deltamas as a claimant in a breach of contract dispute.
Roosdiono & Partners
Roosdiono & Partners represents local and foreign clients in a range of contentious work including bankruptcy, civil claims, industrial and competition-related cases. Projects and infrastructure specialist Afriyan Rachmad has a broad litigation practice that covers dispute resolution, arbitration, criminal and civil proceedings. Agnesya Munita Narang represents clients in the banking, telecoms, retail, infrastructure and mining sectors on a range of contentious work.
Practice head(s):
Afriyan Rachmad; Agnesya Munita Narang
Key clients
PT Toray Polytech Jakarta
Felda Global Ventures Holding Berhad
PT Lastana Express Indonesia
PT Knauf Gypsum Indonesia
PT Bali Bangun Tirta
PT Daikin Airconditioning Indonesia
PT Global Green Trading
Work highlights
- Representing Tenaga Nasional Berhad Fuel Services in a dispute concerning the repossession of 74,808mt coal which was confiscated by the East Kalimantan Police.
- Represented Nissin Kogyo Co. Ltd. in a contentious matter involving reporting overseas acquisition to the anti-monopoly agency, KPPU.
- Advising PT Toray Polytech Jakarta in a debt-collection claim against its buyer.
Suhardi Somomoeljono & Associates (SSA Advocates)
Suhardi Somomoeljono & Associates (SSA Advocates) has an established presence in the litigation space and has substantial experience representing clients in construction, insolvency and employment disputes. Suhardi Somomoeljono is a litigation veteran and has extensive experience handling corruption, human and constitutional rights cases. Dianyndra Kusuma Hardy is also noted and has a strong background in construction, restructuring and insolvency disputes.
Practice head(s):
Suhardi Somomoeljono; Dianyndra Kusuma Hardy
Key clients
PT Primagriya Asri
PT Pratiwi Putri Sulung
PT Hutama Karya (Persero) Tbk
PT Krakatau Posco
PT Unilon Textile Indonesia
PT Kurnia Oryza Reksa Perkasa
PT Cometco Inti Prima
PT Harlis Tata Tahta
Work highlights
- Representing PT Hutama Karya (Persero) in a real estate management dispute before the Indonesian Supreme Court.
TNB & Partners
TNB & Partners represents their clients in civil litigation, arbitration, criminal investigations and employment disputes. Practice head Kresna Panggabean is an ‘excellent strategist‘ and specialises in commercial disputes, anti-corruption and bankruptcy litigation in the agribusiness, oil and gas, and mining industries. Senior associate Dandi Hamid is ‘very hard working‘ and has a broad arbitration, civil and commercial litigation practice.
Practice head(s):
Kresna Panggabean
Other key lawyers:
Dandi Hamid
Testimonials
‘A key strength of TNB’s is their all-round ability to manage and guide us through the legal issues in the context of Indonesian legal culture and processes especially how the court system works and separately how the enforcement authorities operate and recognizing the difficulty with this compared to our expectations. ’
‘Kresna Panggabean – excellent communicator and strategist.’
‘Dandi Hamid – very hard-working senior associate also a good communicator.’
Key clients
TIMWE Asia Pacific SDN. BHD
PT Pusaka Agro Lestari
PT IOL Indonesia / Bureau Veritas International B.V.
PT Schlumberger Geophysics Nusantara
PT Macmahon Mining Services
Work highlights
- Advising PT IOL Indonesia, a subsidiary of Bureau Veritas group in Indonesia in multiple issues pertaining to criminal and civil matter in relation to revocation of Certificate of Analysis (CoA) on a sampled coal issued by PT IOL Indonesia.
- Representing PT Pusaka Agro Lestari as defendant in a civil case filed by the community of indigenous people in Papua regarding the alleged default of PT Pusaka Agro Lestari in managing the palm plantation.
- Representing PT Schlumberger Geophysics Nusantara as one of the defendants in a civil case filed by the client’s former business partner pertaining to the lease agreements of the client’s facilities/warehouse, and internal disputes of the former business partners.