Indonesia’s top 100 lawyers plus 35 Legal Icons. Miran Lim and Emeli Zu?o report
Indonesia saw significant changes across its economic and industrial arenas in the first quarter of 2025. The country has started to position itself as a key hub for electric vehicle (EV) manufacturing in Southeast Asia by offering tax incentives to attract global automakers such as China’s BYD and GAC Aion, and France’s Citro?n. Industry minister Agus Gumiwang Kartasasmita announced that manufacturers will benefit from import tax exemptions and a reduced luxury sales tax of 15%.
Indonesia is also set to bolster its role in the global AI landscape through the development of tailored regulations, according to Deputy Minister of Communication and Digital Affairs, Nezar Patria. Patria’s ministry has initiated an AI policy dialogue, spanning several sessions, to explore AI’s possibilities and address concerns in sectors such as e-commerce and healthcare, ensuring beneficial and secure implementation.
In March 2025, Indonesia enacted a foreign exchange policy change, requiring all natural resource exporters to retain their earnings in the country for a minimum of one year. To encourage adherence, incentives such as a 0% income tax rate on the deposit interest and the use of these deposits as loan collateral have been introduced.
During the same month, Indonesia also unveiled its second sovereign wealth fund, Danantara, aimed at stimulating economic growth and enhancing the global competitiveness of its state-owned enterprises (SOEs). Danantara launched with an initial capital of USD61 billion. This initiative, backed by President Prabowo Subianto, seeks to propel Indonesia’s GDP growth from 5% to 8% by 2029.
Bursa Efek Indonesia (BEI) recently updated its policies to adjust the lower auto rejection limit and introduce new measures for temporary suspensions of trading on the stock market. The BEI has established a 15% lower limit for rejecting stock trades outright, applying to shares on various boards, ETFs (exchange-traded funds) and real estate investment funds.
As part of the guidelines, the market needs to undergo a 30-minute suspension if the composite price index experiences an 8% decline, with additional pauses or a complete halt for larger drops, contingent on the Financial Services Authority’s decision. On 8 April 2025, these measures were put into effect when the composite price index dropped by 8%, followed by a 30-minute halt.
Against this backdrop, Asia Business Law Journal proudly presents its A-List of Indonesia’s top 100 lawyers and 35 legal icons, recognising the legal experts leading the way amid these dynamic regulatory changes.
Visionary advisers
Leading figures across various sectors of Indonesia’s business community publicly acknowledge the critical legal and financial guidance that has propelled their projects to success.
Aditya Kesha Wijayanto, a senior partner at ADCO Law, is praised for his expertise in project financing by Longat Ameron Siahaan, senior legal manager at Indexim Coalindo, a coal mining company in Jakarta. “We sincerely appreciate the exceptional support provided by Kesha Wijayanto of ADCO Law in assisting our company with project financing through syndicated loans,” says Siahaan.
“His expertise, commitment and efficiency were instrumental in ensuring that the financing process was completed within a short timeframe and aligned perfectly with our project timeline. His ability to navigate complex legal and financial matters with precision and professionalism was truly commendable.
“Thanks to his efforts, we successfully secured the necessary funding on time, allowing our project to proceed smoothly.”
Indrawan Sumantri, president director at Jasa Sarana, an investment holding company in Jakarta, acknowledges Abdul Haris Muhammad Rum, a senior partner at AHRP Law Firm. “I highly recommend Haris for his exceptional expertise in corporate law, capital markets and project finance, particularly in the infrastructure sector,” says Sumantri.
“His strategic approach to navigating complex legal frameworks and structuring transactions has been instrumental in ensuring the successful execution of infrastructure projects, making him a trusted adviser in both public and private sector initiatives.”
Askha Kusuma Putra, a senior partner at Empat Mitra Indika Tenaga Surya (EMITS), an energy company in Jakarta, applauds Liyanto Wijaya, a senior partner at UMBRA, for his knowledge in the energy sector. “His deep familiarity with the intricacies of PPA [power purchase agreement] negotiations ensures that our interests are effectively represented and protected,” says Putra.
“Moreover, his ability to identify and address gaps or overlooked aspects from the EMITS side has been critical in strengthening our negotiation position.
“Mr Liyanto brings a strategic approach to EPC [engineering, procurement and construction] contracting, ensuring that all contractual obligations are aligned with our business objectives while minimising potential risks. His insights into project structuring and project financing are equally valuable, as he can craft legal frameworks that support both regulatory compliance and financial viability.”
Meticulous strategists
Key legal advisers are recognised by industry leaders for their meticulous attention to detail and also a thorough grasp of regulatory frameworks.
Syailendra Wisnu Wardhana, head of legal at Jasa Marga, a toll road service provider in Jakarta, vouches for Irawady Azwar, co-founder and managing partner at AHRP Law Firm. “Irawady brings exceptional expertise in project financing, contract negotiations and regulatory frameworks within the infrastructure and toll road sectors,” says Wardhana.
“His ability to seamlessly integrate legal and commercial considerations has been instrumental in shaping major toll road projects, ensuring that transactions are secure, compliant and sustainable.”
In the pharmaceutical sector, Dewi Mayangsari, legal counsel at Daewoong Pharmaceutical in South Korea, highlights Winnie Yamashita Rolindrawan, a partner at SSEK Law Firm, for her legal advice. “Winnie assisted us in various legal matters in relation to our businesses in Indonesia, for example healthcare, property, manufacturing and distribution businesses,” says Mayangsari.
“Winnie’s advice has consistently been thorough, practical and highly effective. She has a deep understanding of Indonesian regulations and provides clear, well-reasoned guidance tailored to our needs. Beyond her technical expertise, she is exceptionally reliable and communicative, ensuring that complex legal issues are addressed efficiently and with great attention to detail.”
Adaptive innovators
In Indonesia’s dynamic market landscape, businesses thrive on the expertise of legal professionals who blend legal precision with practical business insights, aligning solutions with clients’ objectives.
Varun Rathi, chief operations officer at Danabijak, an online financial service provider in Jakarta, praises Eva Armila Djauhari, a senior partner at DeHeng ARKO Law. “Her ability to balance legal precision with practical business considerations makes her a true asset to any client seeking strategic legal counsel,” says Rathi.
“She not only provides sound legal advice, but ensures that it is pragmatic and aligned with our broader business objectives. Throughout our collaboration, Eva and her firm have demonstrated excellence and reliability. Their client-centric approach, industry knowledge and strategic mindset make them truly deserving of this recognition.”
Denny Ngadimin, general counsel at Fore Coffee, a coffee startup in Jakarta, shares his positive experience of collaborating with Brian Manuel, managing partner of MHMS Advocates. “I worked together with Brian of MHMS Advocates during my stint at my previous company,” says Ngadimin.
“Brian represented my previous company as outside counsel in a civil [tort] claim from a third party and several pre-litigation matters against third parties. Brian is commercially pragmatic and easy to work with. Also, Brian is able to quickly understand his client’s needs and translate complex processes and requirements into practical recommendations and next steps for his client’s business team.”
Dynamic negotiators
Business leaders praise legal professionals for achieving results through careful preparation and strategic advocacy.
Esti Puji Lestari, president director at EMC Asia, a gaming technology company in Jakarta, commends Suhardi Somomoeljono, managing partner at SSA Advocates. “Dr Suhardi has been incredibly thorough and expert in handling my case,” says Lestari. “From the very beginning, they prepared all the necessary documents carefully and made sure everything was correct, which helped strengthen my case. Throughout the process, they communicated with me regularly, keeping me informed and explaining things clearly. Their negotiation skills were impressive; they advocated strongly for my interests, which led to favourable outcomes.”
Gary Chen, a partner at Lee and Li Attorneys-at-Law in Taipei, praises partner Nur Eka Pradata at GHP Law Firm for his proficiency in cross-border transactional law.
“Pradata is experienced in handling cross-border transactions, has great business sense, and is committed to providing efficient and professional services,” says Chen. “Pradata is always the first transaction lawyer whom I will recommend to our colleagues and clients when there is any legal work in Indonesia.”
Trusted problem solvers
Industry leaders highlight legal individuals for their calculated legal insights and resolution expertise. Wenwen Shen, a partner at DeHeng Law Offices in Hangzhou, praises Dani Indrawan, a partner at ARKO Law.
“Dani Indrawan is a respected banking and finance lawyer with in-depth expertise in capital markets and corporate transactions,” says Shen. “His ability to navigate intricate financial regulations and provide strategic advice on mergers and acquisitions makes him a trusted legal counsel for businesses.” Lily Janto, finance and accounting manager at CJ Logistics Indonesia, a global logistics company in Jakarta, compliments Ivan Baely, managing partner at IABF Law Group. “Ivan has various expertise in the legal field and his advice is very helpful in resolving legal problems in our company, such as disputes with third parties and other corporate issues,” says Janto. “He is very helpful, and we are always satisfied with his services.”
Azhar Risyad Sunaryo, CEO at ARSynergy Resources, a liquefied petroleum gas company in Jakarta, also commends Baely for his “extensive knowledge across different sectors, which makes his legal advice easily applicable”.
“Our company has been engaged with IABF since 2013 on numerous occasions and has been very content with the results,” adds Sunaryo.
Finally, Ati Sugiharti, co-founder and managing director of TAEL Partners, a Southeast Asian private equity group, recognises Soenardi Pardi, a partner at Hendra Soenardi.
“Soenardi is a seasoned lawyer who has diverse experiences in corporate finance transactions and M&A, as well as familiarity with the litigation process in Indonesia,” says Sugiharti. “His comprehensive knowledge and longstanding experience in Indonesian law have given him a superior position as a legal counsel.”
COMPILING THE A-LIST
The A-List is based on extensive research conducted by Asia Business Law Journal. To identify the top lawyers in Indonesia, we turned to thousands of in-house counsel in the country and around the world – as well as partners at international law firms – and asked them to tell us which lawyers should make the cut.
A-List Lawyers were defined on the nomination form as “lawyers who are currently the star performers of Indonesia’s legal profession; the lawyers who are personally undertaking the country’s top legal work, crafting the most cutting-edge legal solutions to complex problems, and setting the highest standards in terms of quality, innovation and the ability to handle complex matters”.
Legal Icons were defined as “lawyers who are the luminaries of Indonesia’s legal profession; the titans who command the respect of clients and juniors alike; the mentors who lead Indonesia’s most admired law firms and/or legal teams, and the country’s most prolific rainmakers”. All Indonesian private practice lawyers and foreign lawyers based in the country were automatically eligible for inclusion in the nomination process.
As always, there were no fees or any other requirements for entry.
