Firms To Watch: Dispute resolution

Under the leadership of Stefanus Haryanto and Hendry Hendrawan, Adnan Kelana Haryanto & Hermanto (AKHH) advises domestic and international companies on civil, commercial, criminal, and administrative proceedings. 
Led by Martin Patrick Nagel and Aldi Firmansyah, the disputes team at FKNK Law Firm handles commercial disputes and arbitration; it is active in the restructuring, oil and gas, construction, real estate and mining industries.

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 fields a large corporate litigation team which handles a broad range of disputes, including arbitration, mediation and alternative dispute resolution (ADR). The team, which is well versed in disputes pertaining to the IP, employment, banking and finance, tax, shipping and TMT arenas, is jointly led by Chandra Hamzah and Eri Hertiawan. As part of the Rajah & Tann Singapore LLP Asia network, the firm is well placed to handle cross-border cases; Hertiawan is a veteran litigator, member of the Singapore international Arbitration Centre (SIAC) and an accredited mediator; and Hamzah focuses on commercial disputes, anti-corruption, corporate governance and IP matters. Asep Ridwan is a commercial litigator who focuses on competition and bankruptcy, while Simon Barrie Sasmoyo was promoted to partner in April 2022.

Practice head(s):

Chandra Hamzah; Eri Hertiawan

Other key lawyers:

Simon Barrie Sasmoyo; Asep Ridwan

Testimonials

‘Prominent anti-competition group.’

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

PT Mandiri AXA General Insurance

PT Unilever Indonesia PTbk.

PT Vale Indonesia Tbk.

Regus Business Centre Indonesia PT

Work highlights

  • Defended PT Tokopedia in a civil lawsuit regarding data privacy and consumer protection.
  • Represented PT Garuda Indonesia (Persero) Tbk., in filing a lawsuit against Rolls Royce Plc and its subsidiary, Rolls Royce Total Care Services Limited.
  • Represented HSBC in a tort lawsuit submitted by PT Berlian Laju Tanker concerning an alleged tort/civil wrongdoing against HSBC.

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

Hadiputranto, Hadinoto & Partners, a member firm of Baker McKenzie fields a ‘responsive team with clear and concise advice’. The practice is active in domestic and international arbitration, insolvency litigation, debt restructuring, employment litigation, environmental litigation and regulatory matters. The firm has strong relationships with regulatory and industry bodies, giving it a good understanding of the market and members of the team are often called upon to speak at international forums. Andi Kadir heads the practice and handles litigation, contentious restructuring, criminal proceedings and investigations; he is also a member of the ICC International Court of Arbitration in Paris and co-chairman of the arbitration and ADR commission of ICC Indonesia. Bernard Sihombing was recently promoted to associate partner and is a name to note for bankruptcy and restructuring disputes. Associate partner Brian Manuel left for MacalloHarlin Mendrofa Advocates in April 2022 and Timur Sukirno retired in July 2021.

Practice head(s):

Andi Kadir

Other key lawyers:

Bernard Sihombing

Testimonials

‘We have experience in getting legal advice from HHP in construction contracts.’

‘The advice given is very comprehensive, covering all the concerns or issues we face.’

‘HHP personnel have good legal knowledge and communication skills in delivering legal opinions, so that their explanations and advice is very easy to understand.’

Hiswara Bunjamin & Tandjung in association with Herbert Smith Freehills

First-class Indonesian firmHiswara Bunjamin & Tandjung in association with Herbert Smith Freehills has an active disputes practice with the capacity to advise on domestic and international commercial arbitration, civil litigation, criminal and other corporate investigations, restructuring and insolvency, and contentious employment matters. The practice has recently been handling a number of debt restructuring mandates, including a large number relating to the Suspension of Debt Payment Obligations (PKPU). Debby Sulaiman heads the dispute resolution and restructuring, turnaround and insolvency practices and has considerable experience in cross-border disputes and distressed situations. Former practice co-head Narendra Adiyasa left for Widyawan & Partners in August 2022.

Practice head(s):

Debby Sulaiman

Testimonials

‘A first-class Indonesian firm.’

‘They have a global perception of international arbitration. Not insular or confined to Indonesian practice but they are certainly accomplished performers on the domestic stage as well.’

Key clients

BNP Paribas

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

  • Representing PT Maybank Asset Management in the Indonesian Attorney General’s Office (AGO) corruption and money laundering investigation on mismanagement of investments in Jiwasraya, a state-owned insurer, that allegedly caused state losses of IDR16.8 trillion.
  • Representing PT Maybank Asset Management in the AGO corruption investigation on mismanagement of investments in PT ASABRI (Persero), an SOE managing social insurance for the Indonesian police and armed forces, that allegedly caused state losses totalling IDR23.7 trillion.
  • Representing Nordic Aviation Capital in the court-supervised debt restructuring (PKPU) process of Garuda Indonesia, Indonesia’s state airline, and the repossession and redelivery of 32 aircraft on lease to Garuda and valued at $635m, and also representing two other aircraft lessors

ABNR Counsellors at Law

Housing a sizeable disputes practice, ABNR Counsellors at Law advises on a broad range of contentious matters, including litigation, arbitration and ADR, and is active in all levels of the Indonesian court system, as well as in international arbitration forums such as SIAC, KLIAC and HKIAC. It is particularly active in the commercial, shipping, projects, construction, employment and restructuring arenas and the team is jointly led by Sahat Siahaan and Ulyarta Naibaho. Siahaan is an experienced litigator and Naibaho handles disputes pertaining to corporate crime, environmental issues, FDI, mining and cybercrime, and also assists clients with anti-corruption and compliance matters.

Practice head(s):

Sahat Siahaan; Ulyarta Naibaho

Other key lawyers:

Nafis Adwani

Testimonials

‘The team is really prompt to answer any legal support requested.’

‘They have intense knowledge of any legal need in relation to the establishment of a company, doing business in Indonesia.’                  

Key clients

PT Multi Bintang Indonesia

General Electric (GE), 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, and its Indonesian subsidiaries, PT Indolok Bakti Utama and PT Chubb Safes Indonesia

PT Merck Tbk, the Indonesian subsidiary of Germany-based science and technology company 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)

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

Hanafiah Ponggawa & Partners – Dentons HPRP

Hanafiah Ponggawa & Partners – Dentons HPRP is active across a wide range of sectors in the market, including banking, energy, mining, technology, plantations and healthcare, and assists clients with litigation and arbitration, civil lawsuits and shareholder disputes. The practice leans on Dentons’ global network for support on cross-border cases and often handles cases across Asia. The five-partner team is led by Sartono, Linna Simamora, Danny Sinaga, Gading Sanyjaya and Timothy Inkiriwang. Experienced litigator Sartono handles civil disputes involving land, breach of contract and tort cases, and bankruptcy cases involving bankruptcy and the suspension of payments, among other areas. Simamora advises clients on civil, criminal and commercial cases, as well as state administrative court or non-court related cases.

Practice head(s):

Sartono; Linna Simamora; Danny Sinaga; Gading Sanyjaya; Timothy Inkiriwang

Other key lawyers:

Fabian Buddy Pascoal

Testimonials

‘The team is very helpful and friendly to answer all queries in a timely manner, which made us comfortable to ask question and understand more.’

‘We are happy to keep the engagement with HPRP.’

‘Fabian Buddy Pascoal is not only handling the specific case, he is also provided good suggestions based on the legal aspects on whichever procedure deemed necessary. He is our trusted legal support.’

‘Dentons HPRP has a complete experience on both sides, issuance and defendant. Such experiences are also useful to have comprehensive insight particularly in bankruptcy matters.’

‘Very helpful and ready to render their best to the client.’

Key clients

Eneco Energy Limited

PT RHB Bank Sekuritas Indonesia – Jiwasraya

Inalum

KEB Hana

Inalum

CyberLogitec Co. Ltd.

RHB Sekuritas Indonesia – BAPMI

Nunukan Jaya Lestari

Hago Igur Energy

Work highlights

  • Advised PT Nunukan Jaya Lestari on a state administration lawsuit challenging the issuance of a decree revoking the Plantation Business License by the Regent of Nunukan Regency.
  • Defending a bank against nearly 200 claimants in $18.6m class action suit on mis-selling of insurance products.
  • Represented PT RHB Bank Sekuritas Indonesia as the petitioner in arbitration proceedings before the Indonesian Capital Market Arbitration Board against several individuals (customers) on the basis of the default on an agreement to trade shares through the client.

Makarim & Taira S.

A ‘very dynamic practice with an international vision’, Makarim & Taira S. handles a range of disputes work, including commercial litigation, employment disputes and contentious insolvency cases. It acts for multinational corporations and state-owned enterprises and the team is led by Rahayu Hoed and Lia Alizia. Hoed has been at the firm for over 30 years and handles corporate, project finance and employment matters in addition to disputes. Alizia is an experienced litigator who represents clients before Indonesian courts and arbitration panels, and also advises on risk management, including anti-bribery and anti-corruption issues. Senior associate Rudy Sitorus is recommended for high-value disputes, regulatory and compliance matters; Harris Toengkagie was promoted to partner in February 2022.

Practice head(s):

Rahayu Ningsih Hoed; Lia Alizia

Other key lawyers:

Rudy Sitorus; Harris Toengkagie

Testimonials

‘Very dynamic practice with an international vision.’

‘Rahayu and Lia are very established lawyers.’

‘Rudy Sitorus is an up and coming lawyer – responsive and hardworking.’

‘Very responsive, billing is transparent, team collaboration is excellent.’

‘Harris Toengkagie and Lia Alizia are a great team, bill-efficient and each bringing a unique and valuable skillset.’

‘Very responsive. Clear and structured advice. We really enjoyed working with Lia Alizia and her team as local counsels in a larger multi-jurisdictional project.’

‘They have a large disputes team and provide good service for our case in Indonesia.’

‘During our case, the quality of the Makarim team’s work was high and they always kept us updated.’

Key clients

PT Daewoong Pharmaceutical Company Indonesia

Simmons & Simmons

Drew & Napier

Edwards Wildman

Euravia Engineering & Supply Co. Ltd.

King & Wood Mallesons

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

Soemadipradja & Taher

Soemadipradja & Taher acts for international and multinational corporations, government entities and state-owned enterprises on a range of disputes, including commercial litigation and arbitration, and at all levels of the Indonesian courts, from the District Courts to the Indonesian Supreme Court. It often handles local counsel work for its affiliated Singaporean firm Allen & Gledhill LLP, and is experienced in the aviation, real estate, construction, employment, environment and tax sectors. Hafzan Taher, Nira Nazarudin, Ahmad Djosan, Romi Emirat and Erie Hotman Tobing head the team. Taher is registered with the Indonesian Mediation Centre as a mediator and acts as an arbitrator in SIAC on an ad-hoc basis. Senior associate Winotia Ratna handles court proceedings and arbitration, and is experienced in the corporate and energy and natural resources sectors.

Practice head(s):

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

Other key lawyers:

Winotia Ratna

Key clients

PT Pertamina EP

PT Pertamina Hulu Mahakam

PT Stolt Bitumen Indonesia

PT Welltec Oilfield Services Indonesia

PT Delta Prima Utama

PT Sigma Cipta Caraka

Work highlights

  • Representing the PT Pertamina EP in civil claims before the Tenggarong District Court (the Court) in relation to a dispute over ownership of several plots of land in Muara Badak Ulu which are currently being utilised by the Client as part of its work site.
  • Representing PT Petamina Hulu Mahakam its interests in an annulment of a domestic arbitration award issued by Badan Arbitrase Nasional Indonesia (BANI) at the South Jakarta District Court.
  • Assisted PT Welltec Oilfield Services Indonesia on provide professional services involving various litigation matters relatedin relation to the enforcement of a domestic arbitration award.

Hogan Lovells in association with Dewi Negara Fachri & Partners

Hogan Lovells in association with Dewi Negara Fachri & Partners houses a team of ‘professionals who know what is best for their clients’. In addition to its expertise in arbitration, litigation, and civil and administrative claims, the practice offers unique experience in corporate crime, internal investigations and white-collar fraud. Managing partner Chalid Heyder heads the team and is well versed in civil disputes, bankruptcy and suspension of payments, and contentious employment issues, among other areas. Senior associate Dyah Paramita left for Hadiputranto, Hadinoto & Partners, a member firm of Baker McKenzie.

Practice head(s):

Chalid Heyder

Other key lawyers:

Teguh Darmawan

Testimonials

‘DNFP’s lawyers are very capable in advising clients on Indonesian laws related to contractual dispute resolution in Indonesia and the relevant court processes involved, including any pitfalls that may be arising.’

‘DFNP’s dispute resolution team is quite meticulous, inquisitive in finding relevant documentary evidence needed for the matter and preparing for potential legal gaps and issues that may be arising during the course of the case proceedings.’

‘The firm’s managing partner Chalid Heyder is a very capable lawyer specialising in dispute resolution.’

‘They are very responsive to any queries posed to them.’

‘The disputes team consists of professionals who know what is best for their clients.’

‘They are flexible and willing to explore the strategy together with the client to eventually reach an agreed action in managing a case.’

‘The lead partner, Chalid, is really responsive and always make time for the client. He is knowledgeable and often offer an “out of the box” strategy to win on a case.’

Key clients

YKK

Honeywell

BASF

Repsol

Nurjadin Sumono Mulyadi & Partners

Nurjadin Sumono Mulyadi & Partners is particularly active in the banking and finance industry and has considerable experience in restructuring and insolvency-related disputes, such as those pertaining to the suspension of debt payment obligations (PKPUs). Mulyadi heads the team and handles civil and criminal litigation, administrative procedures and commercial arbitration

Practice head(s):

Mulyadi

SSEK Law Firm

Independent Indonesian firm SSEK Law Firm acts for international and domestic clients on a range of disputes. It has particular experience of commercial litigation, debt restructuring and employment cases, and has handled numerous SIAC and ICC arbitration cases. Dewi Savitri Reni heads the practice and focuses on debt restructurings, arbitration and litigation, while Michael Carl is experienced in disputes in the mining and natural resources sectors. Mahareksha Singh Dillon is a name to note for commercial disputes, litigation and police investigations.

Practice head(s):

Dewi Savitri Reni

Other key lawyers:

Michael Carl; Mahareksha Singh Dillon

Testimonials

‘Outstanding knowledge and experience in labour and employment Law.’

‘The service is incredible. As a client, we feel that we get maximum service levels.’

‘They also provide an affordable and competitive proposal.’

‘The strength of SSEK is the combination of a certain level of experience with competitive prices.’

Key clients

Nissan

General Motors

Mitsubishi Electric

Yamaha Motor

Ford

Work highlights

  • Defended PT Yamaha Indonesia Motor Manufacturing against a price-fixing lawsuit.
  • Assisted an Italian health service provider through an Indonesian police investigation and district court trial after it was the victim of a group of cybercriminals.
  • Defended an Indonesian joint venture company all the way to the Supreme Court against a lawsuit filed by a former employee over termination benefits.

BRAVA & RIZA Advocates

BRAVA & RIZA Advocates handles dispute resolution and litigation across a range of industries, including land disputes, shipping and healthcare litigation. The team is jointly led by Muhammad Riza and Tri Wahyuni Herlambang; Riza is experienced in arbitration proceedings, both in Indonesia and Singapore, and Herlambang handles civil, criminal and commercial matters.

Practice head(s):

Muhammad Riza; Tri Wahyuni Herlambang

Key clients

PT Bumi Sawit Sukses Pratama

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

  • Defending the interest of PT Mufidah Medika Sawangan (member of Permata Mufidah Hospital Group) as the project owner in judicial review stage at the Indonesian Supreme Court concerning the construction disputes.
  • Defending the interest of PT Bumi Sawit Sukses Pratama, one of the leading palm plantation foreign investment company company, in land disputes in Court Pangkal Pinang.

Leks&Co

Leks&Co advises clients on litigation and arbitration, with demonstrable experience in the real estate sector. Managing partner Eddy Leks heads the team and handles corporate, real estate, construction and employment matters, as well as disputes. Evawany Noerdin joined from SJAHNAz ZAHIRSJAH LAW FIRM in January 2022.

Practice head(s):

Eddy Leks

Other key lawyers:

Evawany Noerdin

Key clients

Boustead Maxitherm Industries

PT Abyor International

PT Industri Semak

Deltamas Group

Work highlights

  • Defending Industri Semak as a defendant in a commercial court with regards to the geographical indication dispute.
  • Defending PT Abyor International, as a defendant, in a civil dispute.
  • Representing PT Pembangunan Deltamas, Tbk on the appeal of two decisions of the District Court with the main issue of the termination of conditional sale and purchase agreement.

Oentoeng Suria & Partners in association with Ashurst

Under the leadership of Prawidha Murti, Oentoeng Suria & Partners in association with Ashurst handles a range of contentious matters, including corporate criminal investigations, construction and family disputes, and debt restructuring matters. Murti has experience in domestic and international commercial disputes and arbitration.

Practice head(s):

Prawidha Murti

Testimonials

‘This practice has a dispute resolution nature but still with a sense of business in it.’

‘I value their responsive and accommodative nature.’

‘They deeply understand the issue, the law, and the practice.’

Key clients

PT Hein Global Utama

Withers Khattarwong LLP

Mitsui Oil Exploration Co. Ltd, Indonesia – Japan

Northern Territory Public Guardian and Trustee – Northern Territory Government, Australia

Renewable Energy Group, Inc., Delaware, USA

BP Singapore Pte. Limited

PT Sarana Multi Infrastruktur

Monash University, VIC 3800, Australia

PT Go To Gojek Tokopedia

Credit Suisse International

Work highlights

  • Acting as lead counsel to PT Hein Global Utama on the Suspension of Debt Repayment of its subcontractor.
  • Asisted PT Go To Gojek Tokopedia (“GoTo”) in reviewing GoTo’s Anti-Bribery and Anti-Corruption documents, consisting of an umbrella policy and several derivative SOPs (“ABAC Policies”).
  • Advised Credit Suisse (Switzerland) Ltd. (CS) in relation to the blockage of 8,317,180 shares of CS’s client held in an omnibus account of CS by KSEI (Indonesian Custodian authority).

Roosdiono & Partners (a member firm of the KPMG Law network)

Roosdiono & Partners (a member firm of the KPMG Law network) advises clients on dispute resolution and litigation, with demonstrable experience in bankruptcy cases, civil claim cases, commercial litigation, industrial cases and competition matters. The team is jointly led by Afriyan Rachmad and Agnesya Munita Narang.

Practice head(s):

Afriyan Rachmad; Agnesya Munita Narang

Key clients

PT Daikin Airconditioning Indonesia

PT Toray Politech Jakarta

PT Lastana Express Indonesia

TNB & Partners

The TNB & Partners team is ‘well equipped to provide quality advice on all areas of law that relate to dispute management’. The practice acts for corporations and financial institutions on arbitration, litigation and enforcement matters, and is well placed to handle cross-border matters by virtue of its affiliation with the Norton Rose Fulbright network. Kresna Panggabean heads the team, who ‘has excellent attention to detail and always ensures that work is delivered in a timely and efficient manner’.

Practice head(s):

Kresna Panggabean

Other key lawyers:

Dandi Hamid

Testimonials

‘The team is well equipped to provide quality advice on all areas of law that relate to dispute management.’

‘Being a global organisation, often disputes/matters are cross-jurisdictional and involve work or resolutions in collaboration with stakeholders in other countries.’

‘The TNB team is always willing and able to navigate the complex international and corporate environments.’

‘Customer service is at the forefront of how TNB partners and associates operate.’

‘In particular, Kresna Panggabean has excellent attention to detail and always ensures that work is delivered in a timely and efficient manner.’

‘Kresna Panggabean is also always making himself available to meet our needs.’

Key clients

Timwe Asia Pacific Sdn. Bhd.

PT Pusaka Agro Lestari

PT IOL Indonesia/Bureau Veritas International B.V.

PT Schlumberger Geophysics Nusantara