Firm Profile > SSEK Legal Consultants > Jakarta, Indonesia

SSEK Legal Consultants > Firm Profile

The firm:  SSEK was formed in 1992 with a vision of creating a modern Indonesian law firm capable of delivering legal services at the highest international standard. SSEK has nearly three decades of experience helping multinationals and domestic companies navigate Indonesia’s complex regulatory environment to minimize risk, maximize investment and achieve their business goals.

SSEK is described as a “high-caliber and sophisticated” firm that gives “thorough and effective advice” (Chambers Asia-Pacific).

SSEK’s attorneys combine the highest levels of local knowledge and international expertise. Our overriding priority is looking after our clients’ interests. We understand not only the legal environment as it affects clients but also their business and the business environment in which they operate.

SSEK’s experience enables us to anticipate and understand the government’s position in ambiguous situations. Utilizing a significant network of contacts in government departments and agencies, and our extensive computerized database of Indonesian law, opinions, and work product, we are able to advise clients on likely government policy positions when laws and regulations do not provide clear guidance.

SSEK is a six-time Who’s Who Legal Indonesia Law Firm of the Year, has twice been named Indonesia Law Firm of the Year by Chambers & Partners, and has been an Asian-MENA Counsel Law Firm of the Year every year since 2009. We have received a number of Deal of the Year honors, including most recently M&A Deal of the Year from the Asia Legal Awards and the Asian Legal Business SE Asia Law Awards for our work as Indonesian counsel in Grab’s acquisition of Uber’s Southeast Asia business, and Asian-MENA Counsel Deal of the Year for advising on the formation of the Indonesian Oil and Gas Holding SoE.

SSEK is recognized by multiple legal directories as a leading firm in Indonesia across all major practice areas, and our partners and foreign legal advisers have received numerous individual awards and recognitions, including from The Legal 500, Chambers & Partners, IFLR1000 and Asia Law & Practice.

The amalgamation of skills and holistic focus means that many clients consider SSEK’s role to be not just that of a legal representative, but also that of a trusted partner – the first point of reference and a reliable source of guidance.

Areas of practice: Banking, finance and insurance: SSEK advises on all aspects of establishing and operating financial institutions in Indonesia. As well as providing regulatory advice, the firm prepares loan agreements and security documents for financial institutions and advises clients on mutual funds and pension plans, project finance and syndicated commercial loan transactions.

Capital markets and securities: SSEK advises issuers, underwriters and investors in stock, bond, convertible bond and commercial paper transactions, and assists clients with IPOs and strategic financing alternatives.

Dispute resolution: The firm helps clients develop appropriate strategies and claims in the event of a dispute while identifying any reasonable grounds for settlement and compromise. SSEK also advises clients on the merits of arbitration and related contractual requirements, acts as counsel in arbitral proceedings and as special liaison counsel in litigation proceedings.

Energy, mining and natural resources: SSEK enjoys a strong international reputation in the coal and hard-rock mining sector. The firm also assists investors in the forestry and palm oil plantation business.

Infrastructure and project finance: SSEK has extensive experience in project finance for the oil and gas, energy and mining sectors. The firm acts as counsel to developers and lenders in all types of infrastructure development projects, including multimillion dollar private power, toll road, telecommunications and water supply projects, as well as natural gas pipeline and mining projects.

Labor and employment: The firm advises corporate clients on severance matters, personnel policies and work rules, employment contracts, collective labor agreements, pension funds, secondment arrangements, mandatory training and social security programs. In the event of a labor dispute, SSEK represents its corporate clients in settlement negotiations and appears before the relevant administrative tribunals. SSEK also arranges work permits, visas, residency permits and related governmental approvals and filings.

Mergers and acquisitions: The firm has worked on many high-profile acquisitions involving both private and publicly listed companies in a variety of sectors. SSEK advises on regulatory compliance and related due diligence and document preparation.

Real estate: SSEK advises on all types of real estate transactions, including rendering assistance and advice on the acquisition, sale and relinquishment of land. It negotiates and drafts commercial leases of all sizes and complexity, and assists clients in the co-ordination of large real estate acquisitions for hotel developments, industrial use and infrastructure projects.

Shipping: SSEK regularly advises clients on compliance with cabotage rules and the implications for foreign investments in the domestic sea transportation industry.

Technology, Media and Telecommunications (TMT): The firm represents multinational clients entering the Indonesian telecommunications and IT sector, advising on regulatory and licensing issues for companies entering the market, and providing continuing advice on all aspects of their operations, including procurement, employment and tax law. SSEK is active in advising clients in the growing e-commerce sector including on issues related to e-money and online payment services. We also advise clients on data privacy and protection issues.

Lawyer Profiles

Photo	Name	Position	Profile
	Mr Syahdan Z. Aziz	Partner	View Profile
	Mr Michael S Carl	Foreign Legal Advisor	View Profile
	Ms Ira A Eddymurthy	Senior Partner	View Profile
	Mr Darrell R Johnson	Of Counsel	View Profile
	Ms Rusmaini Lenggogeni	Partner	View Profile
	Ms Fitriana Mahiddin	Partner	View Profile
	Mr Denny Rahmansyah	Managing Partner	View Profile
	Ms Dewi Savitri Reni	Partner	View Profile
	Mr Fransiscus Rodyanto	Partner	View Profile
	Ms Dyah Soewito	Senior Partner	View Profile
	Mr Jonathan M Streifer	Foreign Legal Advisor	View Profile
	Mr Michael D Twomey	Senior Foreign Legal Advisor	View Profile
	Mr Stephen Warokka	Partner	View Profile
	Mr Fahrul S Yusuf	Partner	View Profile

Interviews

Ira A. Eddymurthy, Senior Partner

SSEK founding partner Ira A. Eddymurthy explains how the firm acts as a trusted legal and business partner for clients navigating the Indonesian market.

What has been your greatest achievement, in a professional and personal capability?

I think helping to found SSEK in 1992, with three other women lawyers, growing the firm over the next 28 years into one of the largest and most highly regarded corporate law firms in Indonesia, and having the opportunity to work with and even serve as a mentor to the next generations of Indonesian lawyers, would stand as one of my greatest achievements, both professionally and personally. I am also extremely proud of the recognitions I have received over the years for my work with clients, one of the greatest of those being recognized for 13 years by The Legal 500 Asia Pacific as a leading lawyer in Indonesia for banking and finance. Another achievement that stands out for me is being chosen as the only lawyer from Indonesia to be included in the panel discussion for the inaugural US-Indonesia Women’s CEO Summit, in October 2017 in Washington, D.C., with Indonesian Finance Minister Ibu Sri Mulyani, who was the keynote speaker.

What do you do differently from your peers in the industry?

I do not see that I do things differently from my peers in the industry. What I try to give the client is not just a legal solution, but also a commercial solution based on an expert understanding of the Indonesian context and a careful analysis of the risks associated with the client’s proposed business plan.

What advice would you give to your younger self?

Never give up on your dreams, work hard and there is no glass ceiling you need to break through in Indonesia, at least in the legal profession. Women lawyers receive the same treatment as their male counterparts, so there is no reason a woman in Indonesia cannot pursue a career in the Indonesian legal sector and rise to the top of the profession.

Can you give me a practical example of how you helped a client add value to the business?

On many occasions the lawyers at SSEK have helped companies navigate serious crises. You have to understand the industry in which your client operates and be able to give them advice and solutions that take into account both the legal and business aspects of the matter at hand. We analyze the risk and work with the client and the financial advisor to craft the best solution for their business.

Within your sector, what do you think will be the biggest challenge for clients over the next 12 months?

Unfortunately, people around the world are facing the same problem with the unprecedented situation brought about by the Covid-19 outbreak. Looking ahead to the next 12 months, we are all going to have to work hard and be prepared to assist clients in responding to the economic slowdown brought about the pandemic. There will, I’m sure, be a greater focus on cost savings and I think a larger focus of our practice will be restructuring and bankruptcy advice.

Are clients looking for stability and strategic direction from their law firms – where do you see the firm in three years’ time?

Different clients look for different things from their law firm. They all have specific needs and expect different things. That being said, I believe that all clients are looking for responsiveness and quality legal service. Looking ahead three years, I see SSEK still as the leading independent corporate law firm in Indonesia, providing services to multinational clients and domestic com

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