Hogan Lovells signs association with Indonesian firm

In recent years, Hogan Lovells has experienced an increase in the number of Indonesia-related matters it is advising on, particularly in the energy, natural resources and infrastructure sectors. 

In 2011, for example, the firm advised PT Medco Energi International Tbk on the development and financing of the landmark $2.8bn Donggi-Senoro LNG project and the $1.5bn Sarulla 330MW geothermal project in Sumatra.

The growing demand has driven Hogan Lovells’ decision to forge an association with Jakarta-based Hermawan Juniarto, which has five partners and 17 associates. The firm focuses on corporate, finance, infrastructure, energy and litigation work.

“Indonesia is the largest economy in South-East Asia, a member of the G20 major economies, a country with extensive natural resources, a burgeoning domestic economy and an enviable demographic projection,” said Crispin Rapinet, Hogan Lovells’ regional managing partner for Asia and the Middle East.

“The prospects for sustainable growth are impressive and supported by increasing inbound investment from our global client base.  After a period of careful assessment we came to the conclusion that having an association in Indonesia was essential to the development of our South-East Asian practice, and Hermawan Juniarto provided an excellent match for our clients’ needs,” Rapinet said.

In the past year, a number of other international firms have entered into a similar arrangement with a local Indonesian firm. O’Melveny & Myers entered into an association with Tumbuan & Partners (8 November 2011), Ashurst gained an association with Oentoeng Suria & Partners following its tie-up with Australia’s Blake Dawson and Norton Rose signed an alliance with Susandarini & Partners (1 March 2011).