Asia Business Law Journal names the country’s top law firms. Lim Miran and Elverina Hidayati report
Indonesia has maintained steady growth despite the volatile global economic landscape in recent years. Remarkably, GDP expanded by an impressive 5.03% in the first quarter of 2023, with the International Money Fund optimistic about the same pace continuing to year’s end.
This is great news for Southeast Asia’s largest economy, especially amid ongoing challenges from the Russia-Ukraine conflict and rising inflation impeding post-pandemic recovery.
Recovering domestic demand and solid performance in the face of high international commodity prices positions the country for long-term success.
With good fortune, the world’s largest and most populous archipelago has also become a popular destination for investors, primarily due to its abundance of highly sought after metals required for electric vehicle (EV) batteries, crucial for the future of the motor industry. In July, Amman Mineral, a leading copper and gold mining company, secured USD710 million through its IPO on the Indonesia Stock Exchange.
As the world’s largest nickel producer, also with the largest reserves, Indonesia is a magnet for the global electric battery market. Germany’s BASF and French miner Eramet recently invested USD2.6 billion to process nickel, while Tesla has reportedly signed a USD5 billion nickel supply deal from Indonesia.
Earlier this year, Ford Motor also collaborated with mining companies Vale Indonesia and China’s Zhejiang Huayou Cobalt to establish a USD4.5 billion smelter plant in South Sulawesi province to produce lower-cost nickel for EV batteries.
Accordingly, the Indonesian Ministry of Investment reported a USD11.7 billion increase in foreign direct investment (FDI) in the first quarter of 2023.
To encourage FDI, Indonesia is making foreign investment easier with several new policies. One of the most recent is the 2023 Omnibus Law on Job Creation, replacing the 2020 Omnibus Law that was struck down by the Constitutional Court. This new legal framework is expected to help clear up previous legal uncertainties and improve the country’s investment landscape.
Unsurprisingly, many foreign companies are now interested in doing business in Indonesia. With potential for growth, professional legal services will inevitably be in high demand, and the industry is lifting its game with digital transformation.
In our annual awards, Asia Business Law Journal traditionally acknowledges a unique blend of local independent law firms and multinational players. Our team has carefully identified Indonesia’s law firms proven to be the best in the country. One has risen to the top as Law Firm of the Year, along with four winners in 26 other categories, each of equal standing.
ASSEGAF HAMZAH & PARTNERS
Assegaf Hamzah & Partners (AHP), founded in 2001 and led by managing partner Bono Daru Adji, has gained a solid reputation for its innovative approach to legal services, going beyond the traditional law firm model.
The firm also has a strong fortification of experts and legal resources across nine regional jurisdictions as a member of the Rajah & Tann Asia network, headquartered in Singapore.
One of AHP’s unique practices is in forensics and fraud investigation, which utilises data analytics to improve compliance and investigation outcomes. The firm’s dispute resolution practice is also noteworthy, featuring Indonesia’s leading corporate litigation team offering specialised services in various areas.
Recently, AHP acted for international selling agents and Indonesian lead underwriters on the IPO of the country’s second-largest copper and gold miner, Amman Mineral, raising USD710 million.
The firm also assisted flag carrier Garuda Indonesia in a suspension of debt payment obligation proceedings, involving substantial debt restructuring across creditors from various jurisdictions, each with their own interests, compliance and requirements.
The firm was also Indonesian counsel to the lenders in granting a financing facility of up to USD300 million to Indonesia’s travel and ticketing platform, Traveloka.
A Singapore-based corporate partner at an international law firm, who wants to remain anonymous, has been working with various Indonesian law firms in the past year. “Assegaf Hamzah & Partners is one of the very top firms for M&A and capital markets work, as well as some projects work.”
- ASSEGAF HAMZAH & PARTNERS
- GINTING & REKSODIPUTRO
- HHP LAW FIRM
- SSEK
Ginting & Reksodiputro has been offering top-notch legal advice on financing transactions in Indonesia for more than a decade. Co-founded by Daniel Ginting and Harun Reksodiputro in 2010, the firm is affiliated with UK law firm Allen & Overy.
Ginting, the managing partner, is an expert in banking, finance and project transactions, with more than 25 years’ experience. Reksodiputro is a seasoned professional in the corporate and commercial law realm, specialising in mergers and acquisitions. He is also notable in the technology, media and telecoms (TMT) sector.
With its experience and expertise, the firm provided advisory services to Bank Central Asia, Indonesia Infrastructure Finance and Sarana Multi Infrastruktur regarding a guaranteed syndicated financing facility for Pasifik Satelit Nusantara for project refinancing of the Nusantara 1 satellite, valued at around USD32 million.
State-owned Pertamina Geothermal Energy also sought Ginting & Reksodiputro’s assistance for its Indonesia Stock Exchange IPO earlier this year, raising USD600 million to expand its portfolio and refinance existing loans.
Hadiputranto Hadinoto & Partners (HHP) is a reputable and esteemed firm that has expanded to more than 120 lawyers since its establishment in 1989 by Sri Indrastuti Hadiputranto and the late Tuti Dewi Hadinoto.
As a premier law firm – and Indonesian member firm of Baker McKenzie – HHP advises some of the largest domestic and international corporations on their transactions and investments. One of its most recent projects, along with Baker McKenzie, was advising mining company Vale Indonesia and China’s Zhejiang Huayou Cobalt on a nickel agreement worth up to USD4.5 billion with Ford Motor to advance sustainable nickel production.
HHP further assisted a group of lenders on a senior secured facilities agreement worth USD580 million to support Air Bersih Jakarta in developing a drinking water supply system in the country’s capital. It also advised sovereign wealth fund Indonesia Investment Authority and China’s Silk Road Fund on their joint investment in Indonesian pharma Kimia Farma, valued at IDR186 trillion (USD120 million).
Multinational telecoms conglomerate Telkom Indonesia was also assisted in spinning-off its broadband company, IndiHome, by issuing new shares valued at IDR58.3 trillion.
“HHP Law Firm was the lender’s counsel for two of our loan facilities,” says Darren Chan, director of finance and administration at real estate and investment company ESR Indonesia Management in Jakarta. “Their team members are very professional, meticulous and proactive, and managed to complete all the loan documentations within the shortest possible timeframe.”
Sarah Tsao, head of corporate finance, Southeast Asia at UBS Investment Bank in Singapore, has the same view. “We have worked with numerous Indonesian financial institutions in M&A transactions with Erwandi Hendarta, senior partner at HHP, and he has been at the forefront of leading impressive innovation in masterful deal structuring.”
Soewito Suhardiman Eddymurthy Kardono (SSEK) has been providing top-notch legal services for almost three decades, becoming renowned in the industry since its establishment as an independent law firm in 1992 by Dyah Soewito, Retty Suhardiman, Ira Eddymurthy and Agustina Kardono.
Fitriana Mahiddin, the firm’s managing partner, has extensive experience advising multinationals and large domestic companies in the energy and natural resources sector, with a proven track record in M&A, complex commercial matters, and corporate and investment-related issues.
Recently, SSEK advised Indosat Ooredoo Hutchison on a USD300 million joint venture, with telecoms service provider Aplikasinusa Lintasarta and leading Asia-Pacific data centre solutions provider Big Data Exchange, to establish a trailblazing new data centre, one of the largest foreign investments in the sector in Indonesia.
“SSEK has a very fast turnaround time and friendly lawyers that are easy to work with,” says Veronica Soh, senior legal associate at Petronas in Kuala Lumpur. “The firm has established connections with energy sector companies and authorities to advise and expedite the processes required faster. They are also very well versed in employment-related matters and advisory.”
Sanjay Anand, director at Adani Global, the Singapore-based arm of Indian conglomerate Adani Group, agrees. “SSEK is very helpful and understands the needs of their clients. The firm has knowledgeable and experienced staff.”
Ali Budiardjo Nugroho Reksodiputro (ABNR) has been at the forefront in developing international commercial law in Indonesia for more than 50 years. Since its establishment in 1967, the firm has helped shape the country’s legal landscape and create a more business-friendly environment.
With 25 partners and more than 100 lawyers, ABNR provides the full spectrum of legal services. As an exclusive Indonesian member of Lex Mundi, a leading global network of independent law firms, ABNR also offers clients access to more than 23,000 lawyers in 125 countries to handle cross-border transactions and disputes.
The firm’s own dispute resolution team is led by versatile litigator Sahat Siahaan, who specialises in resolving disputes related to human resources, commercial matters, construction and infrastructure. With experience representing clients ranging from local businesses to multinational corporations, Siahaan has successfully handled numerous arbitration proceedings under both national and international institutions.
“ABNR is very detailed, supportive and solution driven,” says Rakesh Adwani, director of trading at Indonesian retail company Sarinah in Jakarta. “The team of consultants, junior and senior, are very helpful and have an approach that is very detailed and well grounded with the best industry practices.”
Bryna Djuhar, legal counsel at peer-to-peer payments and money transfer company MoneyGram in Singapore, agrees. “[Partner] Ayik Candrawulan Gunadi’s team at ABNR has provided a committed and engaged service throughout the years, and demonstrated deep knowledge and expertise in the Indonesian regulatory field.”
Ignatius Andy Law Office was established in 2014 by the renowned Ignatius Andy, and has become a go-to resource for clients seeking assistance with antitrust issues, corporate and commercial concerns, dispute resolution and debt restructuring.
The boutique firm has served notable clients including Citibank, Coca-Cola, Carrefour, GlaxoSmithKline, Unilever, the World Bank, Prudential and Pfizer.
Andy’s expertise in dispute resolution and antitrust law has earned him a solid reputation in the industry; he is listed as an arbitrator at the Singapore International Arbitration Centre and Indonesian Arbitration and Mediation Centre, as well as a member of the International Chamber of Commerce’s World Council.
Dentons HPRP was founded as the Law Office of L Hanafiah in 1953, and reorganised as Hanafiah Ponggawa & Partners (HPRP) in 2004, before merging with Dentons in 2018. Offering skilled lawyers in various legal fields, the firm is currently led by managing partner Sartono.
In the aviation sector, Dentons HPRP has achieved remarkable success in the past 12 months, assisting in more than 10 airline restructuring cases focused on resolving debt settlement and aircraft repossession related to a state-owned Indonesian airline. The most recent and significant case was advising Aercap, the world’s largest aircraft lessor, on lease restructuring and redelivery of 12 Boeing 737-800s.
“We have been working together quite a lot,” says Ivan Mawara, corporate legal department head at state-owned toll road operator Jasa Marga in Jakarta. “The firm helped and gave legal assistance to our company through various corporate actions.”
Nurjadin Sumono Mulyadi & Partners (NSMP) is a boutique law firm established in 2006 by managing partner Iwan Nurjadin and senior partners Ilya Utama Sumono and Mulyadi. The firm has been allied with international law firm Bird & Bird since 2014 and Singapore-based law firm Wong Alliance since 2010.
NSMP handles complex and sophisticated transactions in aviation, employment, dispute resolution, M&A, banking & finance, capital markets, corporate and commercial, IP and competition law. Nurjadin plays a significant role, with experience in handling complex aviation-related transactions for more than 15 years.
In June, the firm’s aviation team successfully provided legal service on delivering a Boeing 737-800SF to Indonesian cargo and passenger airline Rimbun Air.
“NSMP provides professional legal advice to our business expansion in the Indonesia market,” says Veronica Dong, CEO at flavouring manufacturer Warlbor Asia Pacific in Singapore. “We do feel the quality and agility from the team.”
Budi Amir, chairman at Tugu Insurance Company in Hong Kong, nominates NSMP for its “ease of access, support, commitment and advice”.
TNB & Partners is affiliated with the international firm Norton Rose Fulbright, which enables the firm to advise on cross-border matters quickly, making them a go-to for multinational lenders and large corporations requiring its expertise.
The firm’s strong aviation finance team, led by Tasdikiah Siregar, has worked with high-profile clients including China Aircraft Leasing Group, CDB Aviation Lease Finance, Dubai Aerospace Enterprise and Merx Aviation. TNB has also advised Aminvestment Bank as a facility agent for numerous financiers in restructuring financing to Weststar Aviation’s operation in Indonesia.
- ABNR
- ASSEGAF HAMZAH & PARTNERS
- GINTING & REKSODIPUTRO
- HHP LAW FIRM
- ASSEGAF HAMZAH & PARTNERS
- HHP LAW FIRM
- HISWARA BUNJAMIN & TANDJUNG
- WILLIAM HENDRIK & SIREGAR DJOJONEGORO
Hiswara Bunjamin & Tandjung is one of Indonesia’s most respected commercial law firms, renowned for its top-notch local knowledge and international standards. Founded in 2000, the firm has grown from a core of eight lawyers initially into a practice of 70, bolstered by its association with one of the world’s leading international firms, Herbert Smith Freehills.
Co-founder and managing partner Tjahjadi Bunjamin leads the firm in helping numerous major global companies successfully navigate Indonesia’s legal, regulatory and business challenges.
Major recent deals this year included advising global automotive distributor Inchcape in acquiring 70% equity of Mercedes-Benz subsidiaries in Indonesia, and advising copper and gold mining company Amman Mineral’s USD710 million IPO on the Indonesian Stock Exchange.
William Hendrik & Siregar Djojonegoro (WH&SD) was established in 2022 from the merger of two exceptional firms, William & Hendrik and Siregar & Djojonegoro.
Co-founder and managing partner Zippora Siregar leads the firm with her wealth of experience, especially in capital markets and securities transactions.
The firm’s capital market and securities department is led by another co-founder, senior partner Hendrik Silalahi, who led the team representing Balinese winery Hatten Bali in its IDR87.4 billion IPO in early 2023. This transaction was particularly complex, considering that Hatten Bali was the first local wine producer to go public, and Indonesia’s alcoholic beverage business sector is closed to new investment.
Walalangi & Partners, founded in 2017 by managing partner Luky Walalangi, is a prominent Indonesian law firm providing various legal services to clients in multiple industries.
Its close relationship in association with Japan’s largest law firm, Nishimura & Asahi, makes the firm adept in assisting cross-border commerce and foreign direct investment.
Apart from transactional work, Walalangi & Partners has a highly respected competition and antitrust practice, with a team of experienced litigators specialising in handling complex and high-profile matters.
The firm also regularly advises clients on antitrust law in Indonesia with regard to mergers, consolidations and acquisitions. In March, Walalangi & Partners successfully advised telecoms infrastructure provider Dhost Telekomunikasi Nusantara on its acquisition of indoor telecoms infrastructure assets located at 633 sites across Indonesia from local provider Indosat, valued at about USD32 million.
ADCO Law has built a reputation for excellence and expertise offering comprehensive legal services to clients across various industry sectors, recognised earlier this year when the firm was selected as Indonesian member of the Alliott Global Alliance, a network of 215 multidisciplinary services firms in 95 countries. The new alliance fortifies the firm’s strengths in collaborating on complex transactions and supporting clients in a wide array of practice areas.
ADCO recently advised Indonesia’s Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources in the Judicial Review of the Mining Law before the country’s Constitutional Court, providing the judges with strategic guidance, answers and evidence.
Founded 30 years ago by pre-eminent managing partner Yozua Makes, Makes & Partners is a full-service law firm providing top-notch services to Indonesian and international clients. With more than 30 lawyers on board, the firm is known for its aggressive and dynamic approach to legal practice.
Makes & Partners has grown even stronger through its strategic alliance with Singapore-based WongPartnership, and in 2021 expanded further by forming an alliance with local law firm Lubis Santosa Maramis, combining the expertise of both in the dispute resolution, corporate finance and capital markets practice.
The firm also offers services on compliance reviews, regulatory advice and internal regulatory investigations for its broad range of clients. Makes & Partners is also well regarded in effectively addressing corporate governance legal matters, ensuring their clients are fully compliant with all relevant regulations and laws governing their business operations.
- ASSEGAF HAMZAH & PARTNERS
- GHP LAW FIRM
- K&K ADVOCATES
- KYORA LAW FIRM
GHP Law Firm (formerly Guido Hidayanto & Partners) has become a renowned player in the Indonesian legal industry since its inception in 2016, boasting a team of more than 50 skilled lawyers. The founders and co-managing partners, Bonie Guido and Bintang Hidayanto, are known for their expertise in handling complex legal matters, ranging from litigation to corporate transactions.
Most recently in July, the firm formed a partnership with Singapore-headquartered cybersecurity, digital forensics and data protection specialists TRS Forensics to provide clients with comprehensive solutions integrating legal, technical and strategic cybersecurity and data protection.
GHP also advises multinational companies on data compliance and privacy issues. The firm assisted French energy and petroleum multinational TotalEnergies in analysing compliance and implementing data protection and privacy measures in its Indonesian operation. It advised global marine engineering company Great Eastern Group on internal data processing and transfer, and helped Japan-based research group Leave A Nest in document reviews to ensure compliance with data protection and privacy laws.
Boutique law firm K&K Advocates has been offering top-notch services since its establishment in 2011. Managing partner Justiari Kusumah is renowned as a leading figure in intellectual property law in Indonesia, with extensive experience helming the commercial IP, telecoms, media and technology practice.
The firm’s team of 43 including five partners, five senior associates and paralegals advises companies from various industries concerning technology, privacy, cybersecurity and data protection compliance. The firm advised state-owned telecom Telkom on big data management, and provides legal services to international clients such as Chelsea FC, InterContinental Hotel Group and Estee Lauder.
Kyora Law Firm is a reputable boutique specialist in innovation management and corporate law. Established in 2017, the firm’s founder and managing partner, Aurora Nia Pratiwi, is well known for her expertise in various corporate areas.
Since its inception, Kyora has successfully assisted multinational and domestic organisations in achieving their business goals, such as guiding Indonesia’s leading tech company, Caxe Technologies, on installation framework agreements, statements of work, terms and conditions, and conducting internal data migration.
The firm also focuses on data compliance and cybersecurity, offering a wide range of services to help clients navigate the complexities of innovative technologies and business models.
Makarim & Taira S (M&T) is a leading commercial law firm in Indonesia established in 1980 by two Harvard graduates, Nono Anwar Makarim and Frank Taira Supit. The firm provides comprehensive legal services to national and international clients including corporate, banking and litigation, as well as specialised legal services.
One of M&T’s notable deals this year was providing legal counsel to mining company Amman Mineral Industri’s copper smelter project during its development and financing phases. The project, valued at around USD982 million, aims to develop smelters and support clean energy, a testament to the firm’s commitment to helping clients achieve their business goals while promoting sustainable practices.
UMBRA has established itself as a leading player in the market since its inception in 2017, thanks to the vision and leadership of its founder and managing partner, Pramudya Oktavinanda.
With a team of more than 70 lawyers and 11 partners, UMBRA handles strategic and commercial legal matters across a full spectrum of practice areas.
In May, the firm’s power and renewables practice team successfully assisted with a power purchase agreement between Indonesia’s state-owned electricity company PLN, Total Eren, Adaro Energy Indonesia and Pembangkitan Jawa Bali Investasi for the Tanah Laut wind power plant, which is expected to start supplying electricity in 2025.
UMBRA also assisted a partnership agreement between cement manufacturer Solusi Bangun Indonesia and renewable energy company Empat Mitra Indika Tenaga Surya for a solar photovoltaic system.
“UMBRA work efficiently and have deep knowledge on the client’s business sector,” says Vegaswarasti Kumala, a renewable energy adviser at German development agency GIZ in Jakarta. “They have a deep understanding on the client’s needs.”
- AHRP LAW FIRM
- ARMA LAW
- ASSEGAF HAMZAH & PARTNERS
- GHP LAW FIRM
AHRP Law Firm (Azwar Hadisupani Rum & Partners), supported by three partners and 21 associates, offers a wide range of legal services and advice, undertaking high-level legal work for leading Indonesian and foreign companies including some of the country’s largest and most complex commercial transactions. These recently included assisting global entertainment and media company Kakao Entertainment in transferring virtual tokens from the Kakaopage platform to the Kakao Webtoon Indonesia platform.
Ensuring the provision of comprehensive services and expertise worldwide, AHRP is also a member of the Alliott Global Alliance, a global network of 185 independent law and accounting firms. Additionally, it has a close partnership with RSM International, a multinational network of audit, tax and consulting firms.
“AHRP Law Firm always represents our company with the best way and effort,” says Olivina Paripoerno, corporate secretary at infrastructure development services provider Jasa Sarana in Bandung. “The firm does their best to maintain compliance and corporate governance.”
ARMA Law has been serving international and local clients, as well as government and non-governmental institutions, since 2019. Managing partner Aryo Baskoro leads the firm with his reputation in shipping and maritime, projects, M&A, joint ventures and commercial dispute resolution.
The firm also handles multiple matters ranging from climate change to telecoms and entertainment law. ARMA Law was one of the official partners of the Indonesian Film Festival 2022, providing legal advice and support, and assisting with legal documents between the committee and other third parties.
ARMA Law also advised Indonesia’s tourism marketplace, Tripwe, and South Korean mobile network operator, LG Uplus Corp, on personal data processing in accordance with the Personal Data Protection Law.
- DENTONS HPRP
- HHR LAWYERS
- MAKARIM & TAIRA S
- SSEK
HHR Lawyers, or Hutabarat Halim & Rekan, was founded in 1996 by senior partners Pheo Hutabarat and Nini Halim, and has since consistently provided outstanding legal services and client support, earning its place as one of Indonesia’s top commercial law firms.
Under the leadership of Hutabarat as managing partner, the firm has a team of more than 20 lawyers, and since 2019 has been a member of Meritas, a leading global alliance of independent law firms with nearly 7,500 lawyers worldwide.
In the past 12 months, HHR Lawyers have served as lead counsel to Australian multinational telecom company Telstra Enterprise International on all legal and corporate matters related to its Indonesian subsidiary, Reach Network Services. The firm also advised one of Indonesia’s largest e-commerce platforms, Blibli.com, in a case against the country’s anti-monopoly agency.
ATD Law was established in 2022 by managing partner Abadi Abi Tisnadisastra, a seasoned M&A and corporate lawyer. The firm comprises experienced lawyers specialising in the financial, telecoms and technology sectors, providing comprehensive services for multinational and local businesses.
In an alliance with Japanese law firm Mori Hamada & Matsumoto, ATD Law also advises various major Japanese companies in advisory and capital market transactions, along with involvement in antitrust filings and advising major Indonesian and international companies on merger control issues.
In the past 12 months, ATD Law advised several tech startups such as e-commerce platform Ralali and fintech company BukuWarung, as well as Japanese banks and financial service institutions such as Mizuho Bank in its USD130 million investment in Indonesia’s digital credit platform, Kredivo.
IABF, founded by managing partner Ivan Baely and partner Almeida Askandar, has been providing legal services to businesses since 2003, supported by more than 20 professionals including counsel, associates and paralegals. Baely has extensive experience dealing with banking and finance, debt restructuring, labour, employment and immigration, and corporate matters.
Recently, the firm represented state-owned airport operator Angkasa Pura II in a debt restructuring process involving creditors to IDR11.5 trillion, while also successfully securing new loan facilities from state-owned banks worth IDR3.5 trillion.
- GINTING & REKSODIPUTRO
- HHP LAW FIRM
- HISWARA BUNJAMIN & TANDJUNG
- SSEK
AFFA Intellectual Property Rights has been trusted by clients to safeguard their IP assets for the past 24 years. Founded by the late Achmad Fatchy in 1999, the firm is now led by Emirsyah Dinar as managing partner, and Fariz Syah Alam as trademark partner, supported by more than 70 IP experts.
The IP specialists serve clients from various sectors including governments, state-owned enterprises and major corporations across Indonesia, East Timor and beyond.
“Of all the lawyers in Indonesia I have ever hired so far, AFFA Intellectual Property Rights comprehends the field, and the way they resolve a case seemed effortless, effective and efficient,” says Ridha Rahmatika, president and director of exclusive real estate company GD&Associates in Kuta, Bali. “AFFA Intellectual Property Rights has proven agile and reliable.”
Tony Chang Tung-Yang, attorney-at-law at Saint Island International Patent & Law Offices in Taipei, agrees. “AFFA is especially noteworthy as their team is responsive, energetic and creative in marketing.”
Januar Jahja and Partners (JJP) is a renowned boutique intellectual property firm that has grown by leaps and bounds since inception in 1986, with managing partner Prudence Jahja widely considered one of the country’s top IP lawyers. JJP specialises in various aspects of IP law and has worked with big names like DC Comics, Warner Bros and global workspace provider WeWork.
In one of their recent cases, the firm represented Chinese consumer electronics manufacturer OPPO, which was accused of patent infringement by Nokia. Despite Nokia’s appeal to the Supreme Court of Indonesia, JJP managed to convince the country’s highest court to affirm a lower court’s decisions in favour of OPPO.
Rouse is an international commercial law firm widely known for its expertise in IP matters globally. Since 1997, the firm has been operating in Indonesia in collaboration with Suryomurcito and Co, a renowned local firm in IP services.
The Jakarta team comprises 31 professional lawyers, including Suryomurcito founder Gunawan Suryomurcito, a renowned figure in IP protection and enforcement. Lisa Yong, the principal, is also a seasoned lawyer with vast IP experience in Southeast Asia.
- BIRO OKTROI ROOSSENO
- HHR LAWYERS
- ROUSE
- SKC LAW
Biro Oktroi Roosseno is one of Indonesia’s most distinguished IP law firms, established since 1951. The late founder, Roosseno Soerjohadikoesoemo, was a professor of structural engineering and a former minister of public works, transport and economy.
The firm is now managed by his daughter, Toeti Roosseno, as president and director, and has built an outstanding reputation for delivering exceptional IP services to clients worldwide. With offices in Jakarta and Singapore, the firm is underpinned by 120 employees, including qualified lawyers and 30 technical experts from various fields.
SKC Law is a well respected IP law firm, founded in 2011 by partners Purnomo Suryomurcito, Nidya Kalangie and Andrew Conduit, specialising in a full range of IP matters from commercialisation to prosecution and enforcement.
Suryomurcito’s expertise in anti-counterfeiting is notable on behalf of his foreign clients. Kalangie leads the IP prosecution and litigation practice, while Conduit spearheads the dispute resolution and advisory team.
SKC Law’s proven track record has earned the trust of several domestic and international brands including FIFA, Nike, AstraZeneca and Indonesia’s leading e-commerce entity, Tokopedia.
“SKC Law has good quality work and client management,” says Annisa Aaliyya, head of IP at Malaysian law firm Zul Rafique & Partners in Kuala Lumpur. “The firm has good all-round leadership and management, which helps teams perform and deliver results to clients.”
Budidjaja International Lawyers is a full-service independent law firm founded by managing partner Toni Budidjaja in 2007. Supported by a team of more than 20 lawyers with broad knowledge, skills and experience across various legal fields, one of the firm’s main areas of expertise in tailored legal solutions is labour and employment.
In the past 12 months, Budidjaja International Lawyers assisted international companies in assessing the tax, immigration and social security implications of remote working arrangements for their employees in Indonesia, as well as advising a multinational in terminating a high-ranking employee from its Indonesian subsidiary, as well as top-level management.
- ASSEGAF HAMZAH & PARTNERS
- HISWARA BUNJAMIN & TANDJUNG
- LUBIS GANIE SUROWIDJOJO
- WILLIAM HENDRIK & SIREGAR DJOJONEGORO
Lubis Ganie Surowidjojo (LGS) was established in 1985 by founding partners Timbul Lubis, Mohamed Ganie, and Arief Surowidjojo. Managing partner Ganie leads the firm of 100 lawyers providing a wide range of legal services and advice.
In particular, LGS has a dedicated dispute resolution and litigation practice, making it a preferred choice for national and international clients. The firm has handled civil, criminal and administrative disputes in corporate and corporate finance, fair business competition, trade, environmental issues, banking and capital markets.
- ASSEGAF HAMZAH & PARTNERS
- GINTING & REKSODIPUTRO
- HHP LAW FIRM
- SSEK
- ASSEGAF HAMZAH & PARTNERS
- GINTING & REKSODIPUTRO
- HHP LAW FIRM
- HISWARA BUNJAMIN & TANDJUNG
Armand Yapsunto Muharamsyah & Partners (AYMP) started providing legal services in various practice areas in 1994. Managing partner Arie Armand is the renowned anchor partner in capital markets and derivative transactions.
AYMP’s expertise covers a wide range of real estate issues such as land acquisitions, development projects, property management and dispute settlement. The firm’s client base includes some of Indonesia’s leading private real estate companies, as well as state-owned enterprises.
With 11 partners and more than 50 fee earners, AYMP is also a member of Multilaw, a renowned global alliance of independent full-service law firms, broadening its reach in integrated legal services.
Leks&Co offers a wide range of services in real estate, construction, M&A, corporate and commercial dispute resolution, with managing partner Eddy Marek Leks renowned for his extensive knowledge and experience in Indonesian real estate law.
In June, the firm successfully defended local property developer Pembangunan Deltamas in a cassation case, enabling the developer to claim the debtor over their previous obligation to the bank. Leks&Co has also assisted leading global real estate firm Cushman & Wakefield in reviewing contracts for its Indonesia projects.
Extending its global reach, the firm recently joined Primerus Law Firms, a network of nearly 200 member law firms worldwide.
- ABNR
- ASSEGAF HAMZAH & PARTNERS
- BUDIDJAJA INTERNATIONAL LAWYERS
- MOCHTAR KARUWIN KOMAR
Mochtar Karuwin Komar is a venerable law firm in service since 1971, established by Mochtar Kusumaatmadja, John Karuwin and Komar Kantaatmadja. Kusumaatmadja was minister of justice from 1974 until 1978 and pivotal in setting the first provisions for foreign advocates in Indonesia.
Today, the firm has five partners, 20 attorneys and four advisers, providing a full range of corporate legal services to clients including both state-owned and private enterprises.
Of recent note, the firm advised Citibank on a loan facility for an Indonesian joint venture shipping company, and assisted multinational conglomerate Lei Shing Hong Capital (Singapore) in transferring vessels to the Indonesian flag.
“Mochtar Karuwin Komar provides us with comprehensive and practical legal advice,” says Bambang Priambodo, counsel at tobacco company HM Sampoerna in Surabaya.
- ASSEGAF HAMZAH & PARTNERS
- GINTING & REKSODIPUTRO
- MAKARIM & TAIRA S
- SOEMADIPRADJA & TAHER
Founded in 1991 by partners Rahmat Soemadipradja and Hafzan Taher, Soemadipradja & Taher has established itself as a trusted law firm across various practice areas. Recently, the firm played a crucial role in assisting 42XFund in a series D funding to Indonesia’s aquaculture company eFishery, worth USD200 million.
In addition to its connections with top-tier international and regional law firms, Soemadipradja & Taher has formed a strategic alliance with Singapore law firm Allen & Gledhill.
- BAGUS ENRICO & PARTNERS
- GHP LAW FIRM
- GINTING & REKSODIPUTRO
- SSEK
Founded in 2009 by managing partner Bagus Nur Buwono and founding partner Enrico Iskandar, Bagus Enrico & Partners has extensive experience in IT, media and telecoms.
Buwono has more than 25 years’ experience assisting multinational and domestic companies in M&A, banking and finance, construction, insolvency, and employment cases across various industries.
Iskandar is an expert in regulatory issues in telecoms concerning network and satellite operations, digital media and supply chain transactions.
Notable clients include several Singapore-headquartered companies such as fintech platform CredoLab and healthtech company Doctor Anywhere. The firm has also advised Canada-based payment processor Nuvei, WhatsApp and European IT multinational Atos on regulatory aspects of a new cloud solution for voice communication services.
THE JUDGING PROCESS
The winners of Asia Business Law Journal’s Indonesia Law Firm Awards 2023 were selected based on the votes, references and qualitative information received from in-house counsel and other legal professionals in Indonesia and around the world.
A voting form was posted on our website, inviting thousands of in-house counsel, lawyers at international law firms and other Indonesia-focused professionals to vote. At the same time, Indonesian law firms were asked to make submissions in support of their candidacy for the awards. These submissions, combined with research by Asia Business Law Journal’s editorial team, played a supporting role in the judging process.
All Indonesian law firms were automatically eligible for inclusion in the awards process. As always, there were no fees or any other requirements for entry.
