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As ESG issues take a front seat in business decision-making across Asia, law firms play a crucial role advising companies on how to navigate increasingly complex compliance requirements and mitigating emerging risks. As regulatory landscapes around ESG evolve rapidly, ALB recognises ARMA Law, one of the 15 law firms that are delivering outstanding legal counsel in this area.

What specific initiatives or strategies has ARMA Law implemented to integrate environmental, social, and governance (ESG) principles into its legal practice?

We have implemented several initiatives and strategies to ESG Principles into our legal practice. Since our inception, we have established the ESG Climate Change Practice Group as one of our core focuses of our firm. This group is dedicated to advising on ESG compliance to ensure our clients meet regulatory and sustainability standards, assisting in their efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, manage plastic waste, and address other forms of pollution.

Our lawyers play a critical role by providing expert legal advice and strategic guidance, working closely with clients on forest conservation efforts, promoting electric vehicle (EV) projects, and managing plastic waste. We assist with regulatory approvals, contract negotiations, and compliance with environmental standards. Additionally, we emphasize the importance of pre-assessments and due diligence before clients embark on new ventures, ensuring adherence to relevant regulatory frameworks and standards. Our lawyers also support shareholder activism in acquisitions and joint venture agreements, embedding ESG considerations into these critical business decisions to promote long-term value and sustainability

How does ARMA Law collaborate with clients to navigate regulatory complexities and develop ESG-focused legal frameworks and policies?

Indonesia's evolving ESG regulatory framework, though a positive step, presents challenges for businesses that face resource constraints like limited finances, expertise, and support. We help clients navigate these challenges by conducting thorough legal analyses to ensure regulatory compliance, assessing and mitigating risks, and fostering stakeholder engagement to build transparency and trust. This approach helps avoid greenwashing and bluewashing. We keep clients updated on the latest ESG regulations and trends, clarify mandatory and voluntary disclosures. Additionally, we provide strategic guidance on implementing effective ESG policies, facilitating partnerships, and securing necessary regulatory approvals for projects like forest conservation, EV initiatives, and plastic waste management. Our lawyers also advocate for clients in regulatory discussions and clarify the frameworks for ESG related projects.

Can you share any notable success stories or case studies where ARMA Law's expertise in ESG matters has made a significant impact on clients or the broader community?

We have experience assisting several companies in developing internal policy by identifying applicable ESG regulatory requirements and standards for their businesses. These internal policies cover various aspects, including environmental compliances, waste management, toxic and hazardous materials management, occupational health and safety, bribery, extortion and improper dealings policy, sexual exploitation, abuse or harassment policy, whistleblower policy, etc. The adoption of these internal policies by our clients help to ensure regulatory adherence and compliance for their business operations and activities. We also have experience in helping clients seeking to develop various sustainable environmental projects, including nature-based solutions, EV charging stations, as well as waste management and recycling initiatives. These projects are aimed to deliver measurable benefits to the general public. Through these efforts, ARMA Law has helped clients achieve both regulatory compliance and meaningful positive environmental and social impacts, demonstrating our commitment to sustainability and corporate responsibility.

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As the push towards ESG-focussed business practices gains momentum, Asian law firms are playing a vital role in guiding clients through the complex regulatory landscape, helping clients identify regulatory risks and potential opportunities, as well as providing legal protection and solutions. In this inaugural ranking, ALB spotlights 15 law firms that are delivering exceptional legal services in the ESG space.

Can you discuss the types of services your firm offers to help clients meet their ESG goals and objectives?

We advise various clients in various ESG matters, including climate tech, emission reduction projects, green ﬁnance and sustainable ﬁnancing, net zero and low carbon transition and nature-based solutions projects. We also advise on ESG strategies and policies to be integrated into the business operations of our clients.

How does your firm assist clients in understanding and navigating the various regulations and guidelines related to ESG issues?

We are keen to be updated with the regulations in the ESG sector. We are also eager to maintain good relationships with relevant stakeholders to gain a better understanding and insight beyond the law. We recently held the ﬁrst periodical client breakfast meeting with our clients to provide the development of ESG regulations and Indonesia’s carbon market development.

Can you provide examples of how your firm has helped clients develop and implement sustainability strategies, such as reducing their carbon emissions or increasing their use of renewable energy?

We work with various project developers that are looking to provide nature-based solutions, forest conservation and carbon offsets. We successfully assisted one of the largest private initiatives to protect and restore over 500,000 hectares of forest in Southeast Asia including Indonesia. We assist this project to conduct a legal assessment and legal due diligence for more than 28 social forestry concessions in Indonesia.

How does your firm collaborate with clients to ensure ESG considerations are integrated into their business operations and decision-making processes?

ARMA works closely with clients to integrate ESG policies by providing tailored advice and support, to help clients identify ESG risks and opportunities, develop effective strategies, and ultimately enhance their long-term sustainability and value, which include assessments, strategies, and contracts and transactions reviews to ensure that ESG considerations are adequately addressed.

Can you discuss the role your firm plays in advising clients on ESG-related risk management and how you help them identify and address potential ESG-related challenges and opportunities?

We always ensure that our clients understand the importance of pre-assessments and due diligence before delving into new ventures to consider the regulatory frameworks and standards that may be applicable to the client’s business.