Jakarta, ThedailyID — Growing cross-border business activity is making legal risks more complex for companies. At the Indonesian In-House Counsel Summit & Awards (IHCSA) 2026, Hukumonline and the Indonesian Corporate Counsel Association (ICCA) highlighted the need for corporate lawyers to become strategic business partners.
The two-day event took place on October 8–9, 2026, at The Westin Resort Nusa Dua in Bali. Under the theme “Unlocking Growth in the Age of Complexity 2027,” the summit brought together in-house counsel, general counsel, legal professionals, business leaders, regulators, law firms, and corporate counsel associations from Indonesia and the Asia-Pacific region.
Seradesy Sumardi, president of ICCA and secretary-general of the Asia Pacific Corporate Counsel Alliance (APCCA), said today’s business challenges extend beyond the growing number of regulations.
“Complexity means there are more interests that we need to connect,” Seradesy said.
A single business decision can involve multiple jurisdictions, data protection, technology, intellectual property, supply chains, environmental, social, and governance (ESG) standards, employment, competition, and reputational risks. As companies expand across borders, their legal teams must understand how these factors interact.
“We can no longer rely solely on understanding what is and is not allowed,” Seradesy said.
He argued that in-house counsel must understand the business rationale behind decisions, identify practical ways to execute them safely, and maintain sound governance.
Hukumonline CEO Arkka Dhiratara also emphasized the changing role of corporate legal teams. Rather than acting solely as compliance gatekeepers, they must help companies assess risks and make better-informed business decisions.
“The biggest transformation in the legal function is the shift from legal as a gatekeeper to legal as a strategic partner,” Arkka said.
This shift was also reflected in the Indonesian In-House Counsel Awards (IHCA) 2026, held as part of the summit. The awards recognize innovation, professionalism, and dedication among corporate legal teams and leaders who support business growth and sustainability.
Hukumonline refined the awards’ assessment methodology this year around three principles: objectivity, integrity, and excellence. The evaluation used primary data from surveys of Hukumonline’s corporate clients and covered three areas: Legal Team Innovation, Individual Leadership, and Preventive Legal Initiatives.
Erry Riyana Hardjapamekas, a member of the IHCA 2026 jury, highlighted the importance of preventive legal work, which often goes unnoticed because it prevents problems before they occur.
“The best outcome of the work is often something that never happens. No disputes, no violations, and no losses,” Erry said.
Hukumonline Chief Media & Engagement Officer Amrie Hakim said growing participation in the awards reflected the expanding responsibilities of in-house counsel. Legal professionals increasingly contribute to business decisions, risk management, and corporate strategy, rather than focusing only on compliance and legal advice.
This year’s awards also introduced a new category, Indonesia’s Best Legal Prevention Program, which recognizes corporate legal teams that anticipate, manage, and mitigate risks before they develop into business problems.
Seradesy said forums such as IHCSA could strengthen professional networks and encourage knowledge-sharing across borders. He expressed hope that collaboration among ICCA, APCCA, Hukumonline, and the wider corporate counsel community would promote the exchange of ideas and best practices throughout the region.
“Complexity should not be the reason we stop moving. It should be the reason we become better navigators,” Seradesy said.
