Interview with Our Alwin Widyanto Hartanto
16 April 2025

That’s a very good question.

In the past, businesses were limited by distance, manual processes, and slower production methods. Trading was mostly local, manufacturing had many limitations, and expanding a business took a lot more time and effort. But today, technology has changed everything. Businesses can reach customers worldwide instantly, suddenly we have data that we can utilize to look for our target market, factories can create products that were impossible 10 years ago, and automation makes everything faster and more efficient.

Now, technology isn’t just supporting businesses, it’s driving them forward. AI, cloud computing, and automation help companies streamline operations, improve customer experiences, and even create entirely new business models.

While some may worry about jobs becoming obsolete, technology is also creating new industries, innovations, and opportunities. Businesses that embrace these changes and leverage technology as a growth tool, especially through data-driven initiatives, will have a major advantage in today’s fast-moving digital world.

Keeping up with technology is important, but security should never be an afterthought. The key is to move forward while staying cautious. Businesses need to adopt new technology, but at the same time, they must have strong security measures in place.

One way to do this is by building security into everything from the start, what we call “security by design.”

As lawyers, we don’t just react to risks after they happen; we anticipate them before they become problems. That’s why we emphasize regular security checks, setting up the right SOPs, training employees, and staying up to date with regulations. These steps help businesses innovate while keeping their operations secure.

At the end of the day, technology brings huge opportunities, but without proper security, it also comes with risks. The best approach is to embrace new advancements while ensuring that data, systems, and customers stay protected.

The most important thing I’ve learned is that technology evolves so fast, often faster than the law can keep up. New innovations, business models, and ways of operating keep emerging, while regulations are always catching up. Because of that, many legal frameworks still rely on broad industrial practices rather than clear-cut rules for every situation.

That’s why lawyers need to be flexible.

Reviewing a tech contract isn’t just about the legal side.

Structuring a business model isn’t just about what’s written in the law.

It’s about working with stakeholders, making sure innovative business ideas can actually be implemented while staying compliant, and thinking about the commercial impact.

Imagine signing a long-term technology subscription, only for that technology to become obsolete in two years. Or facing a tech dispute over an issue no one saw coming when the agreement was signed. In these situations, we have to be creative, even in structuring commitments and obligations. Can the obligations be shared? Can the risks be managed differently? At the end of the day, it’s about flexibility, creativity, and clear communication.

That’s why lawyers need to go beyond just knowing the law. We have to anticipate industry shifts, give practical insights, and help clients stay agile in a world that’s constantly changing.

One of the biggest advantages of being at an independent mid-sized firm is the exposure to a wide range of advisory work. I’ve been here since the firm was still considered a boutique practice in Technology, Media and Telecommunication, and over the years, I’ve worked on many innovative business models and cutting-edge deals.

Because of our strong recognition in this area, we often handle complex matters, including cross-border issues that require working with professionals in different countries, each with their own regulatory challenges. This has helped me develop a broad perspective, as we also learn from how other jurisdictions have tackled similar issues. Sometimes, other countries have already faced these hurdles, so understanding their approach gives us valuable insights.

Professionally, this experience has sharpened my ability to think critically, anticipate risks, and go beyond just legal analysis to provide strategic advice. I’ve also been involved in cross-border transactions and regulatory discussions, which has strengthened my role as both a lawyer and a business advisor.

On a personal level, working in an environment that values innovation and problem-solving pushes me to stay ahead, adapt quickly, and always find the best solutions.
At the end of the day, being a lawyer isn’t just about pointing out what’s wrong. It’s about helping clients navigate challenges and find the right way forward.

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