Indonesia

ABNR Counsellors at Law has a sizeable and active dispute resolution practice that is recognised for its international client base. This year, it ascends into the top tier of the commercial disputes table. Its core strengths are in commercial, construction, projects, employment, and restructuring and insolvency litigation. Notably, it has an active and successful contentious maritime practice. The firm regularly boasts significant victories at all levels of the judicial system, including the Supreme Court and the Appellate Court, and it is experienced in arbitration proceedings at the local arbitration centre and in international forums.

Head of disputes Sahat Siahaan is a key figure, leading a team that includes two other partners in the litigation group: Ulyarta Naibaho and Indra Setiawan.

In a Supreme Court matter, the team is assisting Japanese company Marubeni in a case review process as lenders to a power plant expansion project. Should the Supreme Court uphold an earlier judgment, the viability of the project would be placed in jeopardy. Italy-headquartered shipping company Mediterranea di Navigazione has instructed the firm for the enforcement of its arbitration awards.

Naibaho leads a team representing Netherlands-based Mediphos Medical Supplies, an official supplier of Covid-19 testing equipment appointed by the Dutch government, in relation to an international fraud perpetrated by Nigerian scammers that caused losses of over $3 million.

The firm has a mix of international and domestic clients that includes British Marine P&I Club, Eng Lee Shipping, JBIC, PT Indolok Bakti Utama, S-Form and Sky Cape Shipping.

ADCO Law’s disputes practice is led by disputes veterans and senior partners Alexandra Gerungan and Dendi Adisuryo. The firm boasts extensive experience in general commercial, energy and natural resources and banking disputes. Its recent caseload demonstrates strong sectoral expertise in mining and power. The team has been active in the contentious R&I space, and its debt restructuring track record demonstrates the team’s prowess working with onshore and offshore clients as creditors, and guiding clients through the PKPU processes at all trial levels. The firm has also grown its Thailand and Japanese desks.

In one highlight, the firm acted for a Korea-based multinational coal trading company in an arbitration related to the unilateral termination and non-performance of the project owner, a mining concession company.

Founded in 2018, AFHS LawFirm serves domestic and international clients across the full spectrum of dispute resolution. The firm has offices in Jakarta, Batam and Surabaya. Core litigation areas include business and commercial disputes, bankruptcy and court-sanctioned restructuring, white-collar crime and cybercrimes.

The main disputes contacts are managing partner Aprilda Fiona and partner Hendronoto Soesabdo.

A recent highlight had Fiona advising international insurance companies in the commercial courts of England and Wales regarding the criminal law procedure of shipping cases in Indonesia. He was appointed to be an expert on insurance matters of the vessel detainment.

Altruist Lawyers was established in 2021 and comprises 17 practitioners who are active in commercial disputes and contentious insolvency matters. Clients include a variety of national and international companies, such as Bank Mega and Siemens Indonesia. The disputes team is led by partners Bobby Christianto Manurung, Bosni Gondo Wibowo and Febryan Yusuf.

One key representation in the past year saw the team assisting Mastersteel Manufactory as creditors to recover US$70 million in debt from nearly 50 debtors. The team orchestrated legal strategies to seize assets and file disputes against the defaulters.

Client feedback
“Altruist Lawyers is recognised for its prompt response times, exceptional analytical thinking, and adeptness in effectively communicating and negotiating terms with relevant counterparties.” – Bankruptcy

“They have very fast turnaround times, provide excellent quality products, and offer accurate and timely advice.” – Commercial arbitration

Bobby Christianto Manurung
“Bobby possesses extensive knowledge in his legal field, with a particular focus on litigation matters and procedures. His expertise allows him to effectively navigate through legal complexities. Moreover, Bobby demonstrates exceptional communication and negotiation skills when engaging with relevant counterparties.”

“Even though Mr. Manurung is a managing partner, he actively participates as a point of contact for clients and does not spare any contribution towards our cases. He is very knowledgeable and professional.”

Anggraeni and Partners is a dispute resolution-focused firm that was established in 2012. The small firm punches above its weight with a successful track record in specialised areas, including white-collar criminal litigation, complex admiralty, commercial and construction disputes, and environmental tortious claims. The team is highly experienced working with local and international clients, and in particular energy-sector clients. It has collaborated with Dan Tan Law, Gibson Dunn, and King & Spalding for disputes based in the US, and with technology firm Veda Praxis to offer legal governance and compliance solutions to clients.

The dispute team is led by managing partner Setyawati Fitrianggraeni, who specialises in commercial, tort and white-collar crime litigation, and construction and maritime arbitration. The practice welcomed a senior associate from Budidjaja International Lawyers during the research period.

The team recently defended a large multinational oil and gas company against allegations by several landowners regarding environmental tortious acts.

ANSS Counsellors at Law has a solid restructuring and insolvency contentious practice alongside its commercial disputes group. The firm’s partners are registered receivers and administrators authorised to handle suspension of payment matters. Managing partner Adam Nasution is the key contact for disputes.

In a recent highlight, the team represented the former director of a mobility services provider joint venture against accusations by his former company of breach of confidentiality, calculation of notice period and application of the non-compete clause.

Assegaf Hamzah & Partners continues to dominate with the largest corporate litigation team in the country and maintains its market-leading presence in dispute resolution. This year, the firm climbs into the top tier for its contentious labour expertise and moves up one rank for its IP litigation strength. Its partners not only regularly feature in landmark home-grown matters but also in unique cross-border work. For example, it is the only Indonesian law firm whose advocates have appeared before the Court of Arbitration for Sport in Switzerland, where it successfully represented the Indonesian Sporthouse Society against the Indonesian Olympic Committee. The firm is part of the Rajah & Tann Asia network.

The disputes team is experienced in both civil and criminal cases across all industry sectors, and has a successful alternative dispute resolution practice. In particular, the firm specialises in aviation, labour and employment, intellectual property, insolvency, and tax and customs disputes.

The firm boasts nationally and internationally qualified mediators and arbitrators, making its alternative dispute resolution offering a go-to for top-end clients. Notably, the firm has an established fraud and forensics investigations practice.

The firm’s co-founder, Chandra Hamzah, and partner Eri Hertiawan co-lead the disputes group. Other key individuals are partners Yogi Sudrajat Marsono, Asep Ridwan and employment expert Ahmad Maulana.

The firm successfully defended Tokopedia in a civil lawsuit regarding data privacy and consumer protection before the District Court and is currently waiting for a decision from the Appeal Court. The team is representing Antam in a case challenging its special mining licence for the exploration of an area in north Bahodopi. It’s also busy defending Indonesia AirAsia Extra against a civil claim brought by four customers. The team continues to work with Garuda Indonesia on its debt and business restructuring, as well as on its lawsuit against Rolls Royce and its subsidiary over the cancellation of a total care agreement valued at $43 million.

On the antitrust front, the firm is representing Salam Pacific Indonesia Lines before the Supreme Court in a defence against the KPPU’s decision on price fixing. Maulana and his team are acting for an investment management company in an ongoing dispute with its ex-director.

Client feedback

“They handled everything professionally, from preparation of response, demurrer and cross-examination to the post-hearing brief.” – Commercial and transactions

Simon Barrie Sasmoyo

“He handled the team and the preparation of the submission professionally and knowledgeably.”

Founded in 2004, AZP Legal Consultants has a full-fledged dispute resolution practice. The team covers criminal and commercial litigation, as well as labour and civil disputes. Leading the disputes team are managing partner Arief Budiman and senior partner Dendy Kadir Amudi.

The firm represented Bank Negara Indonesia as the debtor in the bankruptcy proceedings of Austral Byna Through arbitration at the Institution of Dispute Resolution of Indonesian Banking. It is also assisting Superwish Perkasa in relation to a cassation memorandum on a case handling at the DKI Jakarta High Court.

Brava & Riza Advocates is a business litigation boutique firm that was founded in 2014. The offering comprises a myriad of litigation practice areas, spanning bankruptcy, construction and corporate disputes to contentious labour and insurance matters, as well as white-collar crime. The team has an impressive success rate of 90% for the litigation cases it handles.

The key contacts for disputes are partners Muhammad Riza and Tri Wahyuni Herlambang.

In a recent highlight, the team represented a top domestic hospital group in a complex M&A-related contract dispute. Another notable matter had the team successfully defend Intercontinental Hotels Group in a commercial litigation case before the Supreme Court of Indonesia. The team also triumphed for PT Bumi Sawit Sukses Pratama, a leading oil palm plantation multinational corporation in an appeal at the country’s top court.

Client feedback
“They were very helpful.” – Commercial and transactions

“The team are contract review and legal experts.” – Construction

“Brava & Riza are highly responsive and are very effective at considering all parameters of the Indonesian judicial system.” – Insurance

Muhammad Riza
“Muhammad is very responsive and works diligently to find solutions to your issues.”

“I appreciate his critical thinking and problem solving.”

Budidjaja International Lawyers has well-honed commercial, construction and restructuring and insolvency practices that anchor its dispute resolution offering. The firm – thanks to its senior partner, Tony Budidjaja – is a well-known force in the arbitration space, particularly for energy and projects-related disputes. Its specialised employment and industrial relations practice is growing, with more mandates and tackling complex matters. On the corporate social responsibility front, the firm recently partnered with Budidjaja Institute and the Indonesian National Disaster Management Agency to raise funds for the donation of more than 2,000 hazmat coverall suits to hospitals across the country. In addition, it channelled aid to displaced refugees in Papua during skirmishes between the domestic army and criminal groups.

Tony Budidjaja is a key contact for dispute resolution services. His practice focuses on international and domestic arbitration and cross-border commerce relating to restructuring and insolvency, construction, infrastructure, energy and real estate. Partner Stefanny Simorangkir handles contentious transportation, insurance, and trade and customs matters.

Farida Law Office has an active contentious labour and employment practice that services domestic and offshore clients. The firm mostly represents employers. Apart from its labour disputes group, the firm has a unique focus of working with Japanese clients, typically investors and companies that have entered the Indonesian market. 

The key contacts are managing partner Ike Farida and partner Putri Mega Citakhayana. Both specialise in commercial and labour disputes.

In one highlight, the team represented a local printing company in a reconsideration of a judicial review related to outsourcing worker agreement disputes. The team also assisted a domestic air pump company on conducting hearings with the ministry of manpower, and in mediations with labour unions over worker registration disputes.

Putri Mega Citakhayana

“Communicated and explained well.”

FKNK Law Firm offers a wide variety of dispute resolution services, from construction to criminal and alternative dispute resolution. It has industry sector specialties in banking, e-commerce and fintech, natural resources and infrastructure. The firm is recognised by the market for its restructuring and insolvency prowess, and high volume of work in this space. Recently, the group has been busy handling large and sophisticated civil litigations in the oil and gas, construction, real estate and mining industries, among others. The firm is visible in the country’s most high-profile restructurings, such as Garuda Indonesia, Sri Rejeki Isman, Sinar Pantja Djaja, and Bitratex Industries.

The disputes team is led by four key partners: Widyantoro Kurnia, Ichsan Perwira Kurniagung, Martin Nagel and Aldi Firmansyah. Nagel and Firmansyah are currently serving as administrators in several sizable insolvency cases.

Hadiputranto Hadinoto & Partners remains atop the tiers across all categories. It remains a go-to choice for leading domestic and international clients for high stakes and complex disputes. As part of the Baker McKenzie network, the firm frequently features in cross-border mandates. The team covers the full range of litigation and dispute resolution matters, with core competencies in domestic and international arbitrations, insolvency litigations, debt restructurings, employment litigations, environmental litigations, regulatory investigations, compliance and anti-bribery issues.

Senior partner Andi Kadir heads up the dispute resolution department. Other key contacts include associate partner Bernard Sihombing. Kadir notably is a court member of the ICC International Court of Arbitration in Paris and co-chairman of the arbitration and ADR commission of ICC Indonesia. He is a registered arbitrator with the Indonesian National Board of Arbitration.

Hartamulya Andryanus & Siahaan is a litigation specialist firm with an extensive track record of representation on a wide range of commercial disputes. The team has handled cases related to antitrust, securities, IP, family, insurance, real estate, insolvency, tax and the government. The head of the dispute resolution team, Rio Andre Winter Siahaan, specialises in commercial disputes, contentious insolvency matters and white-collar crime defence.

In a recent notable case, the team acted for a hydro company – one of the largest private power companies in the country – against Adaro Group in relation to the occurrence of overlapping licensing. The client had launched four lawsuits as the claimant. While two cases are still under cassation at the Supreme Court, the other two have been won in appeal.

The dispute resolution offering at Hendra Soenardi enjoys a long history of partnering with top regional and international litigation firms as local counsel in prominent cross-border disputes. For example, it has worked alongside Holman Fenwick Willan, Allen & Gledhill, Rajah & Tann and Drew & Napier in multi-jurisdictional cases. It has a long track record in international commercial disputes, and name partner Soenardi Pardi has appeared before arbitration panels in Singapore, London and Washington DC as Indonesian counsel or party-appointed expert. The team also has proven expertise in infrastructure, construction and land disputes.

Partners Pardi, Oscar Damarjati, Raisa Rishya Renald Rinaldi and Victor Juan Tanojo are responsible for the firm’s litigation and arbitration practice.

The team recently represented a leading Indonesian coal mining company as defendants against a claim filed by a foreign company before the Singapore International Commercial Court. The dispute concerned allegations of a breach of a joint venture agreement and other supplemental agreements.

Hiswara Bunjamin & Tandjung is the respected Indonesian partner of global dispute resolution giant Herbert Smith Freehills. The firm serves domestic and international clients in complex contentious matters, with a wide scope of services ranging from commercial arbitrations and civil litigation to criminal investigations and private wealth disputes. In particular, peers have highlighted the firm’s strength in insolvency litigation and recent caseload demonstrates its fortitude in white-collar crime matters. This year, the firm ascends into the top tier for labour and employment disputes. The main partners handling disputes are partners Debby Sulaiman and Prawidha Murti.

One notable instruction saw the firm represent Maybank Asset Management in the Indonesian attorney-general’s corruption and money laundering investigation of the mismanagement of investments in state-owned insurer, Jiwasraya.

Recent key clients include Parbulk II, Australian Broadcasting Corporation, Chandra Asri Petrochemical, Singapore Chamber of Maritime Arbitration and Agoda.

Client feedback
“They are strong at legal strategy.” – Labour and employment

Tedy Rachmanto
“He has a calm personality that was helpful to guide us.”

A well-recognised name in the market, Hutabarat Halim & Rekan (HHR) was established in 1996 and is frequently involved in high-profile litigation matters locally and regionally. It offers a full suite of litigation and arbitration services, ranging from civil and commercial litigation to administrative disputes and product liability and class action cases. It routinely works with clients on out-of-court and in-court settlement options. The firm is a member of law firm alliance group, Meritas. Active disputes clients include Maybank, Raiffeisen Bank International and Kresna Asset Management. To accommodate the increasing complexity of clients’ cross-border contentious matters, the firm continues to build up and maintain its relationships with multiple top regional and global law firms and participates in various reputable global professional networking organisations.

The key dispute resolution contacts are senior partners Pheo Hutabarat, Nini Halim, Rosna Chung and Asido Panjaitan. Other disputes partners to note are Milanti Kirana, Bunga Wijayanti, Yuris Hakim, M Fathan Nautika and Luthfi Putera.

The team is working with Aura Group on various legal actions against some principal employees in relation to unilateral and unlawful terminations over governing electronic systems and transactions, trading through electronic systems, and personal data protection. It is acting for Johnson Controls Indonesia on its insolvency proceedings before the court. Auraluxe Indonesia engaged the firm for its defence against false allegations of IP infringement.

Client feedback
“First, they are strong at negotiating the terms and conditions of the disposal. Second, they advised us on the potential legal risks of the disposal. Third, they were always liaising with the government agencies and relevant authorities. Fourth, they anticipated our needs and requirements. They were always contactable and replied to our queries swiftly.” – Commercial and transactions

“Helpful at convincing the courts.” – Real estate

Rosna Chung
“She understands and anticipates our needs and requirements. She responds swiftly to our queries and deadlines.”

Pheo Hutabarat
“He is a street fighter.”

A well-recognised name in the market, Hutabarat Halim & Rekam (HHR) was established in 1996 and is frequently involved in high-profile litigation matters locally and regionally. It offers a full suite of litigation and arbitration services, ranging from civil and commercial litigation to administrative disputes and product liability and class action cases. The firm is a member of law firm alliance group, Meritas.

The key dispute resolution contacts are senior partners Pheo Hutabarat, Nini Halim and Asido Panjaitan.

The team is working with Malayan Banking Berhad Singapore on its bankruptcy petition against its corporate guarantor before the commercial court in Jakarta. It has also been engaged by Raiffeisen Bank International for its administrative claim against the auction office of Samarinda. The firm represented Aroma Abadi, the largest perfume distributor in the country, in a dispute related to the sole distribution arrangements with a subsidiary company of US multinational Coty.

Active disputes clients include Agro Tradisi, Asia Baharu and Kresna Sekuritas. 

Client feedback

“Exceptionally talented lawyers who excel at delivering innovative and market-leading solutions for their clients, they represent rare gems outside the traditional A-list firms in Indonesia that have an exceptional commercial sense, extensive understanding of industry and market practices, phenomenal legal talent and ability, and the ability to foster deep relationships with their clients, across multiple industries, as their go-to and cost-effective trusted advisors. In my experience, they have consistently delivered, not only the best for their clients, but pragmatic results – all while maintaining a high degree of touch themselves. This is precisely why HHR has consistently remained my number one firm of choice in Indonesia.” – Commercial and transactions

Asido Panjaitan

“He has in-depth knowledge and skills, and finds solutions.”

IGNOS Law Alliance was set up in early 2023 by former Leks & Co partner, Ivor Ignasio Pasaribu. The disputes offering covers the full gamut of litigation and arbitration across practice areas such as IP, insolvency and white-collar crime. The firm fortified its expertise in digital security and data privacy through the addition of partner Even Alex Chandra in May 2023. Chandra is a well-regarded expert in these areas, having assisted in the drafting of key laws and regulations governing electronic systems and transactions, trading through electronic systems, and personal data protection, in his former capacity as policy head at the Indonesian E-commerce Association.

The firm assisted Bukalapak.com in relation to bad faith trademark registration by a third party. The client was victorious as, ultimately, the application for the trademark was rejected by the IP authority.

Client feedback
Ivor Pasaribu
“He is a professional who gives clear communications, detailed advice and the best solutions.”

A leading IP firm, K&K Advocates has been a tier one mainstay for complex IP litigation and IP enforcement. It has been steadily building up its general commercial and restructuring and insolvency disputes offering in recent times. For example, the team has acted in various criminal and civil cases pertaining to breach of contract, tort, employment, foreign arbitral award enforcement and bankruptcy. It is currently representing several telecommunication infrastructure companies in antitrust-related hearings before the Indonesia Competition Commission. Managing partner Justisiari Kusumah is a recognised figure for IP litigation and enforcement. He was involved in the development of recent trademark, patent and copyright laws as part of the government’s expert consultation team. Kusumah and partners Wardaya and Aldi Andhika Jusuf are the main contacts for contentious IP matters.

One highlight saw the team acting for a state-owned company in a lawsuit on the grounds of breach of contract against a private company. In another case, the firm represented the country’s largest state-owned telecommunications company in recovering compensation for damages to a subsea communication cable system caused by an international mother vessel in the waters of Batam.

Client feedback
“K&K Advocates stand out in their ability to adapt to the different working styles of their clients. The litigation strategy advice provided is also sound and pragmatic. Updates on matters are also delivered timely in a manner suited to us.” – Intellectual property

“They are good at providing short and clear responses in a timely manner and understand local practice very well.” – Intellectual property

“They give practical advice and full support in any transaction, always trying to find the best possible solution to resolve matters.” – Intellectual property

“The team is strong at trademark enforcement and training.” – Intellectual property

“We appreciate the team’s advisory and execution of the advised merits.” – Intellectual property

“They do very well in preparing all the material for a court case. Excellent in follow-up.” – Intellectual property

Adrian Luthfi Imantaka
“Knowledgeable and attentive to requests.”

“Good communication skills and excellent legal knowledge.”

“Our lawyer-in-contact, Adrian Luthfi Imantaka, is an expert in his field who demonstrates unwavering commitment to align and achieve our objectives. Adrian provides prompt, succinct and actionable advice in a complex, multi-factor setting.”

Justisiari P Kusumah
“He always comes with reliable solutions to any issue that we are facing and tries to support in any way he can.”

Risti Wulansari
“He understands our business and issues in the country, providing practical advice for our problems.”

“We value his understanding of local practice and market, providing practical advice and having good connections with authorities.”

Leks & Co is reputed in the market for its real estate industry expertise, which includes its dispute resolution capabilities. Clients seek out the firm and managing partner, Eddy Leks, when they engage in corporate and commercial actions within the real estate sector.

Recently, the firm successfully defended Risland Sutera Property as a respondent in an unlawful act claim filed by its contractor.

Macallo Harlin Mendrofa Advocates handles the full range of disputes, from commercial litigation to international arbitration and industrial relations disputes. The team is well versed in state administrative disputes and works with domestic and international clients in many cross-border battles. For example, the team has been involved in arbitration proceedings before domestic and international forums such as the Indonesian National Board of Arbitration, Singapore International Arbitration Centre and the International Chamber of Commerce. The employment practice routinely assists clients in negotiations and in securing out-of-court settlements. It has also represented clients in mass terminations involving hundreds of employees.

Managing partner Turangga Harlin and partner Kenny Macallo lead the dispute resolution practice group. Both have expertise in contentious commercial and white-collar crime matters, while Harlin also focuses on state administrative disputes and Macallo is a labour disputes specialist. Counsel Brian Manuel is also a seasoned expert for contentious commercial matters, arbitration and insolvency.

Last year, the team completed a cross-border dispute for the foreign affiliate of a local conglomerate related to a complex and indirect joint venture structure made through various loans and agreements.

Makarim & Taira S offers a broad range of dispute services, having notable expertise in commercial, insolvency, and labour and employment. The firm’s litigation and arbitration success is linked to the strength of its top-tier corporate practice. International clients routinely rely on the firm for contentious and non-contentious representation. The firm is part of an alliance with Drew & Napier in Singapore and Shearn Delamore & Co in Malaysia to form a blue-chip regional legal network. Named Drew Network Asia, the partnership aims to provide seamless cross-border services for their offshore clients. The firm’s client list includes major household names, multinational companies and leading state-owned enterprises.

Key contacts for the disputes group are managing partner Lia Alizia and partners Rahayu Ningsih Hoed and Harris Toengkagie.

In a recent highlight, the team successfully represented Cirebon Energi Prasarana in defending the validity of its environmental licence for the continuation and development of its power plant project in Cirebon.

Harvardy Marieta & Mauren specialises in commercial litigation, arbitration and disputes in the labour and insolvency arenas. In terms of industry sectors, it continues to make headway in fintech and power and renewable energy. The firm has grown with the hiring of 16 new associates and the appointment of two new partners to power the work mandates it is winning. The firm moves up one rank in the commercial and transactions disputes table this year.

Managing partner Harvardy Iqbal and partners Windri Marieta and Desi Rutvikasari are the key dispute resolution contacts. Notably, Marieta is the youngest female Indonesian accredited as a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators and she currently serves as the co-chair of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators Indonesia chapter.

The team represented an Indonesian mining company in a civil litigation win against a shareholder and notary who were accused of changing the company deed without the knowledge and approval of the client. Iqbal led a team that defended FWD Insurance Indonesia in a lawsuit related to breach of contract. NinjaXpress has instructed the team for its defence in another breach of contract dispute with an e-commerce player in relation to the delivery of parcels.

Maritime specialist Rutvikasari joined the team last year from ABNR Counsellors at Law.

The firm counts among its litigation clients Astro Group, British American Tobacco, Bell Helicopter, Carrefour Indonesia, GlaxoSmithKline Indonesia, the Government of Indonesia, Moody’s, Pfizer, Prudential Life Assurance and Tokopedia.

Mochtar Karuwin Komar is a full-service law firm with a disputes offering that spans nearly five decades of experience. Its key contentious mandates last year were from the restructuring and bankruptcy, and employment spheres. The firm has been retained by multiple multinational corporations for their industrial relations disputes, including one recently involved the termination of a director. On the insolvency side, the team represented Aergo Capital as creditors during the restructuring of Sriwijaya Air. It also acted for Caterpillar in the bankruptcy of a local client, and for Posmi Steel Indonesia during the insolvency proceedings of Pamindo Tiga.

The litigation department is led by partners Mulyana and Made Gde Taksu Barata.

Nurjadin Sumono Mulyani & Partners has a dedicated disputes practice led by an experienced litigator, partner Mulyadi. The team is adept at handling commercial and civil litigation, criminal litigation, and labour and insolvency disputes. Its aviation sector expertise is also well-recognised. This year, the firm makes a steady climb up the rankings for insolvency and labour and employment.

The core disputes specialists are senior partner and insolvency expert Mulyadi, labour and employment specialists Ilya Sumono and Ruben Soeratman.

Recently, the firm defended Bank Danamon Indonesia against a tort lawsuit related to the submission of security documents of a syndicated loan.

Client feedback
“The team provides sound and practical advice both from a legal and business perspective. The lawyers are able to highlight the Indonesia context in a useful and impactful business-decision way.” – Commercial and transactions

“Strong legal advice, knowledge and communication skills.” – Labour and employment

Ruben Soeratman
“He is very approachable and communicative. A well-balanced mix of risk mitigation and entrepreneurial approach. He’s got the ‘can do’ attitude.”

“He is very responsive and knowledgeable.”

“He is responsive with strong legal knowledge.”

“Ruben is very proactive and easy to work with. He provided solutions to any issues we had, not just from a legal point of view but also from a business-savvy perspective. He has in-depth knowledge of our very restrictive industry.”

Rajamada & Partners offers dispute resolution services across a broad range of commercial sectors, including technology, real estate, medical, retail, financial and construction. It is particularly well-versed in contentious IP work, assisting clients in battles connected to trademarks, brand protection, copyright, patent, industrial designs and commercial IP. The team boasts an impressive array of domestic and international clients such as Grab Indonesia, Global Jet Express, Commeasure, Mauser-Werke and Caberg. Its high success rate on litigation cases has led to a strong roster of loyal clients.

The team is led by partner Raja Mada Silalahi. His practice focuses on commercial litigation and on contentious matters related to IT and IP. He is ably assisted by senior associates Dian Hakiki and Ezra Putri.

The firm has been busy recently acting for Grab Indonesia in an IT and IP dispute related to the unauthorised use of copyright materials. The team also represented Diebold Nixdorf Indonesia in a commercial dispute against its former distributor. Arghani Boga Sejahtera enlisted the team for its contract dispute against Prima Dwimitra over the defendant’s failure to construct a breeding facility for aquaculture.

On the IP side, the team acted for Egypt-based Orient Group in a trademark cancellation action against an Indonesian company. It also represented Caberg, an Italian manufacturer, in a trademark cancellation action against an Indonesian company at the Commercial Court of Jakarta.

Client feedback
“The firm helped us to win the primary dispute in our matter. Currently the case is still in progress due to an appeal. Rajamada is still handling the case in order for our company to win.” – Class actions

“The firm is good at defining the right strategy in building a case to succeed as a plaintiff, and they have the creativity to look for supporting evidence that is beneficial to our argument. In addition, their time management is pretty good as they give reasonable timelines for the ease of our management.” – Intellectual property

“Solid advice and good communications.” – Intellectual property

“They give clear and constant updates.” – Intellectual property

Dian Hakiki
“Great advice and strong communication skills.”

“Very well composed in case preparation and execution.”

Raja Mada Silalahi
“He quickly understands the business and the risks possessed by an organisation. He did well in developing a strategy to win our case and struck the right argument against the opposing counsel.”

“He is customer-obsessed – we have been working with the firm for a relatively short term, however it feels that they have been working with us since the beginning. They understand our values, needs, priorities and expectations.”

“He constantly updated us regarding the dispute and suggested the best opportunities to take.”

“Mada handled the opposing party really well. Not only was he able to cease the case before it became serious, but he also strategised and gave us a very efficient and effective way to stop the potential case. In my opinion, he is very client-focused and clearly this is something that is expected from a good firm.”

RESOLVA Law was founded in 2020 by two experienced litigators. The fast-growing disputes offering covers a wide spectrum of commercial and corporate litigation matters, and the team’s lawyers are active as administrators in insolvencies. The team has a solid track record of appearing before all levels of court, from district court up to the Supreme Court and judicial review forums. Partner Pebri Kurniawan helms the disputes team.

Client feedback
“It has a client-centric approach, efficiency and diverse practice areas.” – Construction

Dimas Satrio Budi Utomo
“Great adaptability, communications and learning agility.”

The dispute resolution team at RPR Law Firm has experience working on mandates across numerous practice areas. These include corporate and commercial, employment property, criminal, IP, restructuring and insolvency, and arbitration disputes. For complex and contentious insolvency proceedings, the firm has acted for creditors, debtors, trustees and distressed companies. In one notable highlight, the team represented Menggala Berseri in a default lawsuit against Sinarmas Hana Finance while the client was in the midst of its debt restructuring process.

The key contacts for disputes matters are managing partner Roni Pandiangan and partner Mario Sinjal. The former is an insolvency specialist, while the latter’s practice focuses on labour and employment.

Samuel Silaban Law Offices is a boutique firm with a specialised litigation offering. It has strong expertise in the mining and energy sector, working with numerous clients engaged in this industry. The team is adept at commercial and insolvency-related disputes.

A team of three lead the disputes offering – managing partner and insolvency specialist Samuel Silaban and partners Rio Basilik and Aprilliasti Kusuma Devi.

Silaban and his team represented one of the largest nickel ore smelter companies in Indonesia in relation to a dispute over the annulment of a commercial agreement that was valued at $142 million.

Siregar Setiawan Manalu Partnership excels at insolvency, its name often repeated by peers and clients as one of the strongest players in the market. Honed from years of experience advocating before the local commercial and supreme courts, the firm’s leadership possesses a sophisticated knowledge of Indonesian bankruptcy laws and procedures. It represents clients through all bankruptcy and suspension of payment processes, advising across all aspects of contentious insolvency work, including enforcing security, representing risk, assessing restructuring proposals and defending corporate restructuring and reorganisation. In addition to its bankruptcy prowess, the disputes offering encompasses civil, antitrust, labour and employment, aviation, tax, criminal, administrative and class action litigation.

The key contacts at the firm are managing partner Nien Rafles Siregar and partners Bobby Rahman Manalu, Rudi Setiawan and Sony El Mars. All are insolvency specialists, with Manalu also focusing on commercial disputes.

The firm was engaged by the Indonesian subsidiary company of a Dutch construction and contractor giant as creditor in the suspension of the debt payment proceedings of Pembangunan Perumahan.

The dispute resolution offering at Santoso Martinus & Muliawan Advocates (SMM Advocates) has an international perspective, with a growing client base of multinational corporation clients from around the globe. It frequently advises Fortune 500 and FTSE 100 companies on contentious issues relating to Indonesia. The team has experience across a range of dispute practice areas including commercial litigation and arbitration, IP, insolvency and labour litigation.

Partner Wincen Santoso helms the dispute resolution team. He is an arbitrator with expertise in appellate litigation, arbitration and contentious antitrust, white collar and bankruptcy matters.

The team represented a leading supplier of military goods in winning a majority of numerous petitions filed against it before the Supreme Court of Indonesia. It also successfully assisted Cengkareng Permai in debt recovery work, claiming back the full amount from several debtors.

SSEK Legal Consultants boasts a deep bench of multinational clients, particularly in the natural resources sector, and boasts expertise in contentious anti-corruption, shipping, construction and real estate matters. The team is also active in civil litigation, arbitrations and dealing with the Indonesian national police in criminal investigations and complaints. The dispute resolution offering features its strong antitrust experience and its work in complex debt restructurings.

Partner Dewi Savitri Reni leads a focused disputes team that includes partners Mahareksha Dillon and Nico Mooduto, and insolvency specialist Michael Carl.

Recently, the team assisted its client, an engineering firm, in mediating an amicable settlement to a lawsuit filed against it seeking payment for services rendered.

Client feedback
“The firm excels at providing support and recommendations to our company.” – Construction

“The lawyers are responsive.” – Construction

Mahareksha Dillon
“He is attentive and helpful.”

“Good communications and responsive.”

Suhardi Somomoeljono & Associates (SSA Advocates) offers a wide range of disputes representation across multiple industry sectors, such as real estate, construction, projects, financial services, energy, natural resources and government. It has a noted track record in contentious insolvency matters, working with corporate creditors or debtors on bankruptcy litigation procedures. The firm frequently acts for clients in partnership with the Indonesian government and state-owned enterprises.

The key contacts for dispute resolution are managing partner Suhardi Somomoeljono and partner Dianyndra Kusuma Hardy.

Client feedback
“Very good lawyers and very professional.” – Commercial and transactions

“Their employment work is strong and how they solve the issue is impressive.” – Labour and employment

Dianyndra K Hardy
“He solves problems.”

“The legal advice that he gives is always on point.”

“Knowledgeable and excellent ability to articulate the problems.”

TNB & Partners is the Indonesian associate firm of Norton Rose Fulbright. Its disputes offering encompasses complex civil litigation, arbitration, white-collar crime and employment disputes for onshore and offshore clients. Partner Kresna Panggabean leads the dispute resolution team and key clients include Schlumberger, TIMWE Asia Pacific and Noble Group. The team is acting for IOL Indonesia in multiple issues pertaining to criminal and civil matters in relation to the revocation of a certificate of analysis on a sampled coal issued by the client.

Since its formation in 2019, the dispute resolution offering at UMBRA has featured in numerous complex litigations for domestic and offshore clients. Its range encompasses securities litigation, intellectual property disputes, insolvency disputes, labour disputes and international trade disputes. Peers and clients acknowledge it as an “up and coming” firm and “one to watch” as it increasingly goes toe-to-toe with longer-established law firms. The litigation team is led by senior partners Melati Siregar and Liyanto Wijaya, and counsel James Losari.

Wiem Law Firm provides dispute resolution services for commercial matters and in insolvency, IP and property rights. The team is young and dynamic with a strong governmental network. The firm predominantly works with domestic clients but is growing its foreign customer base.

Partner Jandi Mukianto is the key contact for commercial disputes and contentious matters relating to insolvency, real estate and IP.

One recent highlight for Mukianto and his team was assisting a marble manufacturer to cease operations and negotiate amicable settlements with all its employees.