SINGAPORE – The Council of the Indonesian Advocates Movement (DePA-RI) recently held a meeting and expressed readiness to collaborate with the arbitration organization Singapore International Arbitration Center (SIAC).

“We are considering what forms of cooperation can be developed between DePA-RI and SIAC in the future, a collaboration that will certainly be mutually beneficial and strengthen the friendship between the two countries, Indonesia and Singapore,” said the Chairman of DePA-RI.

It was stated that the meeting between the leadership of DePA-RI and the management of SIAC on August 15, 2025, was the final event in the series of official activities and events of DePA-RI in Singapore.

Previously, DePA-RI signed a Memorandum of Understanding with The Law Society of Singapore (LSS), held a meeting with the Singapore International Mediation Center (SIMC), and held discussions with the Indonesian Ambassador to Singapore.

In his address to the SIAC leadership, the Chairman of DePA-RI expressed gratitude for their warm welcome and stated his interest in learning more about the work of the Singapore arbitration organization, which is known for its expertise in dispute resolution.

However, the Chairman, who is also a member of the Working Group at the Supreme Court of Indonesia on Court Connected Mediation, stated that a lawyer must learn various methods and mechanisms of dispute resolution, including mediation and arbitration.

On the same occasion, the CEO of SIAC welcomed the arrival of the DePA-RI leadership and expressed hope for beneficial and mutually advantageous cooperation between the two parties in the future. She added that several parties from Indonesia have chosen SIAC for agreements involving choice of forum or dispute settlement.

It was stated that SIAC is an arbitration organization that has been operating since July 1991 in Singapore. Each year, SIAC handles 400 to 600 cases, and 90 percent of these are international cases.

Over the past five years, SIAC has handled arbitration matters from over 100 jurisdictions. This means its parties come from more than 100 countries, and SIAC’s awards are known to be highly effective in enforcement, including in Australia, America, Japan, Hong Kong, Thailand, Jordan, and the United Kingdom.

The organization is known to be highly effective in resolving civil disputes. Therefore, it is trusted by many parties.

It was mentioned that the type of dispute with the highest percentage is commercial disputes, reaching 29 percent, followed by construction/infrastructure disputes, engineering, maritime, corporate, intellectual property, and shipping.

An interesting aspect of the proceedings at SIAC is what is known as Arb-Med-Arb. This means the arbitration process begins with a mediation process between the disputing parties. If the mediation process fails, it proceeds back to the arbitration process.

“This is similar to the litigation process in Indonesia, which uses the method: Lit-Med-Lit. This means that in civil cases or litigation in court, it must begin with mediation. If mediation fails, it will proceed to litigation. This is regulated by the Supreme Court Regulation,” said the Chairman of DePA-RI.

According to the Chairman, the SIAC management provided friendly, comprehensive, and clear explanations to the DePA-RI delegation. The management of the arbitration organization in Singapore included the CEO, the Director and Head of Research and Development, the Legal Manager, and Counsel.

Singapore International Arbitration Center (SIAC)

The Singapore International Arbitration Centre (SIAC) is a leading global institution for the resolution of commercial disputes, established in 1991. It is renowned for its efficient, neutral, and robust legal framework, which has made Singapore a premier hub for international arbitration. Its history is tied to Singapore’s strategic development as a key commercial and financial center in Asia.

The Law Society of Singapore (LSS)

The Law Society of Singapore (LSS) is the official body that governs the professional conduct of lawyers in Singapore. It was established in 1967, succeeding the Singapore Advocates and Solicitors Society, to uphold the standards of the legal profession. The LSS also promotes the rule of law and provides pro bono legal services to the community.

Singapore International Mediation Center (SIMC)

The Singapore International Mediation Centre (SIMC) is an independent, not-for-profit institution established in 2014 to provide commercial mediation services for cross-border disputes. It was founded as part of Singapore’s strategy to become a leading international hub for alternative dispute resolution. The SIMC is particularly known for its innovative “Mediation-Arbitration” (Med-Arb) protocol, which helps parties efficiently resolve complex international commercial conflicts.

Supreme Court of Indonesia

The Supreme Court of Indonesia is the highest judicial body in the nation, established in 1945 following the country’s declaration of independence. It serves as the final court of appeal and oversees the administration of lower courts, playing a fundamental role in upholding the rule of law in the world’s third-largest democracy.

Australia

Australia is a sovereign country and continent with a rich Indigenous history spanning over 65,000 years. It was colonized by the British in the late 18th century, initially as a penal colony, before evolving into a modern, independent nation. Its unique cultural identity is a blend of its ancient Aboriginal heritage and diverse immigrant influences.

America

“America” refers broadly to the United States of America, a nation founded in 1776 after its thirteen colonies declared independence from Great Britain. Its history is defined by westward expansion, waves of immigration, and its development into a global economic and cultural superpower.

Japan

Japan is an island nation in East Asia with a rich cultural history spanning millennia, including ancient imperial traditions and the feudal samurai era. It is renowned for its unique blend of deep traditional heritage and cutting-edge modernity, exemplified by sites like ancient Shinto shrines, Buddhist temples, and its globally influential pop culture.

Hong Kong

Hong Kong is a Special Administrative Region of China, originally a British colony established after the First Opium War in 1842. It is renowned as a major global financial hub and a vibrant cultural melting pot, known for its iconic skyline, deep natural harbor, and unique fusion of Eastern and Western traditions.