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.
Dispute resolution in Indonesia
Assegaf Hamzah & Partners
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