Seeking Legal Assistance for Debt Recovery Based on Signed Business Agreement in Indonesia

In Indonesia
Last Updated: Nov 16, 2025
I am a Singapore citizen seeking legal assistance in Indonesia to recover an outstanding debt arising from a signed business cooperation agreement. The other party has failed to fulfill their financial obligations as stated in the agreement.

I have the signed contract (“Perjanjian Kerjasama”) and all evidence of communication and payment records. I would like to understand the legal options available under Indonesian law, including:

1) Whether the agreement is legally enforceable
2) The best strategy to recover the outstanding amount
3) Whether to begin with a formal demand letter (somasi), negotiation, mediation, or litigation
4) The estimated costs and timelines
5) Whether a success-fee arrangement is possible for this type of case

I am looking for a lawyer who can advise me and represent me if necessary. Please contact me via email if you are able to review the agreement and propose a recovery strategy.

Thank you.

Lawyer Answers

Law Offices Syapri Chan & Partners

Law Offices Syapri Chan & Partners

Nov 16, 2025
Best Answer
1) The agreement can be enforced under Indonesian law, if it has previously been agreed in the contract that dispute resolution is chosen in Indonesia. 2) A default lawsuit must be filed through an Indonesian court. 3) Yes, it begins with a warning letter (summary). 4) The estimated cost of a default lawsuit is IDR 500 million and the term is 2-3 years (unless a settlement is reached). 5) Arranging a settlement fee for this type of case is highly possible.
GW Law Office

GW Law Office

Nov 16, 2025
1) This agreement is enforceable under Indonesian law if it is previously agreed in the contract that dispute resolution will be conducted in Indonesia. 2) A breach of contract lawsuit must be filed through an Indonesian court. 3) Yes, preceded by a warning letter (summary). 4) The estimated cost of a breach of contract lawsuit is IDR 100 million and the term is six months (unless an agreement is reached). 5) This agreement is also enforceable under criminal law if there are elements of a crime, including fraud and embezzlement. 6) Arranging settlement fees for such cases is certainly possible.
K-CASE Lawyer

K-CASE Lawyer

Nov 16, 2025
Dear client,

Thank you for reaching out. Based on the information you shared, here are our preliminary views:

Enforceability of the Agreement
A Perjanjian Kerjasama signed by both parties is generally enforceable under Indonesian contract law, provided it meets the requirements of Article 1320 of the Civil Code. We will need to review the agreement to confirm its enforceability.

Best Strategy for Recovery
In most cases, the most effective approach is to begin with a thorough legal review followed by a formal demand (somasi). This often encourages settlement. If the counterparty remains unresponsive, we can proceed with negotiation or mediation, and consider litigation if necessary.

Somasi, Negotiation, Mediation, or Litigation
We typically recommend issuing a somasi first, as it formally establishes the breach and strengthens your legal position. Negotiation or mediation can be undertaken in parallel. Litigation is an option if the claim value is substantial and supporting evidence is clear.

Estimated Costs and Timeline
Costs depend on the complexity of the case and whether it proceeds to court. A somasi and negotiation process usually takes 2–6 weeks, while litigation may take 6–12 months at the first-instance level. We can provide a detailed fee proposal after reviewing the documents.

Success-Fee Arrangement
A hybrid fee structure may be available—typically a fixed fee for initial steps (review, somasi, negotiation) combined with a success fee upon recovery. We can discuss the structure once we assess the materials.

We will review them and get back to you with our proposed strategy and quotation.
K-CASE Lawyer

K-CASE Lawyer

Nov 16, 2025

Dear client,

Thank you for reaching out. Based on the information you shared, here are our preliminary views:

Enforceability of the Agreement
A Perjanjian Kerjasama signed by both parties is generally enforceable under Indonesian contract law, provided it meets the requirements of Article 1320 of the Civil Code. We will need to review the agreement to confirm its enforceability.

Best Strategy for Recovery
In most cases, the most effective approach is to begin with a thorough legal review followed by a formal demand (somasi). This often encourages settlement. If the counterparty remains unresponsive, we can proceed with negotiation or mediation, and consider litigation if necessary.

Somasi, Negotiation, Mediation, or Litigation
We typically recommend issuing a somasi first, as it formally establishes the breach and strengthens your legal position. Negotiation or mediation can be undertaken in parallel. Litigation is an option if the claim value is substantial and supporting evidence is clear.

Estimated Costs and Timeline
Costs depend on the complexity of the case and whether it proceeds to court. A somasi and negotiation process usually takes 2–6 weeks, while litigation may take 6–12 months at the first-instance level. We can provide a detailed fee proposal after reviewing the documents.

Success-Fee Arrangement
A hybrid fee structure may be available—typically a fixed fee for initial steps (review, somasi, negotiation) combined with a success fee upon recovery. We can discuss the structure once we assess the materials.

K-CASE Lawyer

K-CASE Lawyer

Nov 16, 2025
Dear client, Thank you for reaching out. Based on the information you shared, here are our preliminary views: Enforceability of the Agreement A Perjanjian Kerjasama signed by both parties is generally enforceable under Indonesian contract law, provided it meets the requirements of Article 1320 of the Civil Code. We will need to review the agreement to confirm its enforceability. Best Strategy for Recovery In most cases, the most effective approach is to begin with a thorough legal review followed by a formal demand (somasi). This often encourages settlement. If the counterparty remains unresponsive, we can proceed with negotiation or mediation, and consider litigation if necessary. Somasi, Negotiation, Mediation, or Litigation We typically recommend issuing a somasi first, as it formally establishes the breach and strengthens your legal position. Negotiation or mediation can be undertaken in parallel. Litigation is an option if the claim value is substantial and supporting evidence is clear. Estimated Costs and Timeline Costs depend on the complexity of the case and whether it proceeds to court. A somasi and negotiation process usually takes 2–6 weeks, while litigation may take 6–12 months at the first-instance level. We can provide a detailed fee proposal after reviewing the documents. Success-Fee Arrangement A hybrid fee structure may be available—typically a fixed fee for initial steps (review, somasi, negotiation) combined with a success fee upon recovery. We can discuss the structure once we assess the materials. We will review them and get back to you with our proposed strategy and quotation.
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