Indonesia’s legal system, in particular business and civil law, remains much the same as it was when introduced by the Dutch during the colonial era of the 19th and early 20th centuries. It is vital for Indonesia to reform its legal system in order to meet the needs of a modern state and the dynamics of business in the 21st century.

The private sector and government both need a responsive legal system supported by professional law enforcement agencies, and lawyers able to meet the challenging demands of business practice in manufacturing, finance, construction, property, banking, the stock market and other areas.

Businessmen need lawyers who match their own professional standards. Lawyers must therefore think and act like businessmen – be punctual, effective and efficient – in order to survive in the highly competitive world of modern business.

Prof. Dr. Frans H. Winarta, S.H., M.H. has been involved in civil and commercial legal practice for more than 30 years, and 10 years or so as an executive of various multinational corporations. This has given him a deep understanding of the philosophy and corporate culture of multinationals.