AHP Wins Landmark Case Protecting IDR18 Trillion State Assets for The Minister of State Secretary of the Republic of Indonesia and Gelora Bung Karno Against Hotel Sultan Operator

In a historic ruling, Assegaf Hamzah & Partners (AHP) successfully defended the Indonesian government's ownership of a strategic 13-hectare plot in Jakarta's Gelora Bung Karno (GBK) area. The historic GBK area, which was originally developed for the 1962 Asian Games, has long been at the centre of complex litigation involving both civil and administrative courts.

On 28 November 2025, the Central Jakarta District Court delivered a decisive ruling in favour of the Minister of State Secretary and GBK, marking a turning point in one of Indonesia's most high-profile land disputes. The Court rejected PT Indobuildco's IDR28 trillion claim against the Minister and GBK and, in a significant move, upheld the State’s counterclaim. The judgment declared PT Indobuildco's occupation of the Hotel Sultan area unlawful and ordered the company to vacate the premises. Importantly, the ruling is enforceable immediately (uitvoerbaar bij voorraad), allowing prompt execution without waiting for further appeals.

In addition to reclaiming the land, the Court ordered PT Indobuildco to pay approximately USD45.3 million in compensation to the Minister and GBK for its use of the property from 2007 to 2023. This outcome reflects years of coordination efforts across multiple proceedings and government agencies, culminating in the successful resolution of a complex, high-stakes dispute that has captured national attention since 2023.

Partners Chandra M. Hamzah and Asep Ridwan led the team, supported by Senior Associate Kharis Sucipto and Associates Inara Mahesa Chaidir, Albertus Aldio Primadi, Moh. Fernanda Gunawan, Mahdiyah Basuki, Talitha Risya Almira I., and Stephani Gabriella Wijayawati.

Chandra M. Hamzah said, “This decision is a significant step in safeguarding a part of the country’s most treasured national heritage. We are grateful for the trust placed in us and proud of the team's unwavering commitment throughout this journey.”

Over the years, AHP’s dispute team, spearheaded by experts such as Chandra M. Hamzah, Asep Ridwan, and Kharis Sucipto, has handled major litigation and arbitration matters, resulting in numerous beneficial outcomes for our clients, including landmark decisions and favourable settlements in high-stakes disputes.