The Legal 500 made a triumphant return to Jakarta at the Four Seasons Hotel on 16 May, marking the first eagerly awaited GC Summit since the conclusion of the pandemic. Overseeing the event were global business development manager Ben Lovell and global editor for the Legal 500’s Powerlist series Joe Boswell, accompanied by the five prominent law firms that partnered with us: Hogan Lovells DNFP, TNB & Partners, Makes & Partners and WongPartnership LLP, Clyde & Co, and Eugene Thuraisingam LLP. 

A total of 150 GCs had the privilege of attending this event and were treated to a captivating lineup of five distinct sessions, including panel discussions and concise fireside chats. These sessions explored a wide range of challenges in in-house lawyers face within Indonesia. Right from the beginning, the event was brimming with engaging and thought-provoking discussions. 

Randi Ikhlas Sardoni, recently given The Legal 500’s in-house rising star award at our Southeast Asia Awards, began proceedings by asking the audience to make the most of the day, and had many on their feet after his rousing opening address.  

Andera Rabban and Mochamad Kasmali from Hogan Lovells DNFP, Ulfah Diah Susanti of The Ministry of Communication and Informatics, Raditya Kosasih from The Association of Indonesian Personal Data Practitioners, and Sonny Supriyadi of Maybank Indonesia then took to the stage for the first session: ‘Understanding and overcoming data protection and cyber security challenges and the path to compliance’. 

TNB & Partners followed, with Kresna Panggabean and Tias Karina of the firm being joined by Shamim Razavi of Norton Rose Fulbright and Sustainability Advisor and Practitioner Shoghil Arputhaselan to move the conversation towards the topic of ESG. Their discussion looked to provide a hands-on guide to the GCs in the audience as to exactly what they need to do to get their organisations ready for upcoming compliance challenges.  

Bernardus Billy of Makes & Partners and Tian Sion Yoong of WongPartnership then helmed a fascinating session on Fintech, which took a broad look at developments across Southeast Asia, making use of the varied experiences of those on stage.  

Ton van den Bosch of Clyde and Co, and a former GC himself, then treated the audience to a thoroughly engaging presentation which deconstructed the role of the general counsel while also offering high-level tips on how to manage costs and keep your strategy aligned with the business.  

Our final session was a wide-ranging and thoroughly enlightening discussion moderated by Suang Wijaya of Eugene Thuraisingam LLP. Again, a hugely varied and experienced panel was assembled on stage, including firm founder Eugene Thuraisingam who was joined by Ruth Liew of Karma Group, Seradesi Sumardi of L’Oreal, Wahyu Setiawan of Red Doorz and Ton van den Bosch who appeared for a second time. Tackling the perennial issue of crisis management, the highly qualified panel outlined situations they have been in throughout their own careers, both as external and internal counsel  

Networking drinks  followed this incredibly informative, hands-on, and enjoyable program. Collaborating with such a remarkable group of individuals for this event was a true honour, and we eagerly anticipate the next Legal 500 event in Indonesia.