Dalam transaksi jual beli, itikad baik sangat penting karena pembeli telah memiliki itikad baik dalam melakukan pembelian maka ia akan dilindungi oleh Hukum. Dengan adanya perlindungan hukum terhadap pembeli yang beritikad baik maka akibatnya adalah transaksi jual belinya adalah hal, hal ini ditegaskan oleh Mahkamah Agung dalam putusan-putusannya serta dalam Surat Edaran Mahkamah Agung. Putusan Mahkamah Agung Nomor 251 K/Sip/1958 tanggal 26 Desember 1958 yang kaedah hukumnya berbunyi: “pembeli yang telah bertindak dengan itikad baik harus dilindungi dan jual beli yang bersangkutan haruslah dianggap sah.”. Hal yang sama juga ditegaskan dalam Surat Edaran Mahkamah Agung No.7 tahun 2012 dalam butir IX dirumuskan “perlindungan harus diberikan kepada pembeli yang itikad baik sekalipun kemudian diketahui bahwa penjual adalah orang yang tidak berhak (obyek jual beli tanah).”
Peraturan perundang-undangan mendefinisikan bahwa seorang pembeli dapat dikatakan memiliki itikad baik apabila pembeli tidak mengetahui adanya cacat yang terdapat kepada barang tersebut, sebagaimana diatur dalam Pasal 531 KUHPerdata yang menyatakan “besit dalam itikad baik terjadi bila pemegang besit memperoleh barang itu dengan mendapatkan hak milik tanpa mengetahui adanya cacat cela didalamnya”
Dalam kaitannya dengan jual beli tanah, Mahkamah Agung melalui Surat Adaran Mahkamah Agung Nomor 4 tahun 2016 menguraikan kriteria pembeli beritikad baik yang perlu dilindungi yaitu:
1. Melakukan jual beli atas objek tanah tersebut dengan tata cara/prosedur dan dokumen yang sah sebagaimana telah ditentukan peraturan perundang-undangan yaitu:
● Pembelian tanah melalui pelelangan umum atau;
● Pembelian tanah dihadapan Pejabat Pembuat Akta Tanah (sesuai dengan ketentuan Peraturan Pemerintah Nomor 24 tahun 1997) atau;
● Pembelian terhadap tanah milik adat/yang belum terdaftar yang dilaksanakan menurut ketentuan hukum adat yaitu:
⮚ dilakukan secara tunai dan terang (di hadapan / diketahui Kepala Desa/Lurah setempat).
⮚ didahului dengan penelitian mengenai status tanah objek jual beli dan berdasarkan penelitian tersebut menunjukkan bahwa tanah objek jual beli adalah milik penjual.
⮚ Pembelian dilakukan dengan harga yang layak.
2. Melakukan kehati-hatian dengan meneliti hal-hal berkaitan dengan objek tanah yang diperjanjikan antara lain:
a. Penjual adalah orang yang berhak/memiliki hak atas tanah yang menjadi objek jual beli, sesuai dengan bukti kepemilikannya, atau;
b. Tanah/objek yang diperjualbelikan tersebut tidak dalam status disita, atau;
c. Tanah objek yang diperjualbelikan tidak dalam status jaminan/hak tanggungan, atau;
d. Terhadap tanah yang bersertifikat, telah memperoleh keterangan dari BPN dan riwayat hubungan hukum antara tanah tersebut dengan pemegang sertifikat.
Dari ketentuan di atas maka dapat disimpulkan bahwa ada suatu kewajiban bagi pembeli untuk memeriksa terlebih dahulu hal-hal terkait dengan tanah yang hendak dibelinya serta tentang kepemilikannya. Pembeli memiliki kewajiban untuk melihat dan menilai apakah tanah yang dibeli bebas dari cacat (tidak dalam sita, tidak sedang dijaminkan), selain itu harus dilihat juga apakah penjual merupakan pemilik dari tanah sesuai dengan yang tercatat dalam sertifikat. Pembeli harus juga memperoleh keterangan dari BPN tentang tanah tersebut. Apabila semuanya telah terbukti bebas dari cacat maka jual beli dilakukan sesuai dengan ketentuan peraturan perundang-undangan, yakni dilakukan dengan pembuatan Akta Jual Beli di hadapan PPAT . Dengan demikian, barulah pembeli dapat dikatakan memiliki itikad baik.
Apabila setelah pembeli melakukan seluruh tindakan kehati-hatian dalam SEMA 4/2016, tetapi ada pihak ketiga yang mengaku sebagai pemilik dan menuntut pembeli. Pihak ketiga itu juga benar terbukti memiliki hak atas tanah tersebut atau salah satu dari pemilik tanah. Dengan kata lain dapat dikatakan bahwa dalam hal ini penjual tidak memberikan informasi yang tepat kepada pembeli, maka sesuai dengan Surat Edaran MA No. 7/2012 dalam butir ke IX menjelaskan bahwa pemilik asal hanya dapat mengajukan gugatan ganti rugi kepada penjual yang tidak berhak. Dengan demikian yang harus mengganti rugi akibat jual beli tersebut adalah pihak penjual. Dengan demikian pembeli tetap memperoleh tanahnya dan tidak diwajibkan mengganti kerugian dari pihak ketiga yang berhak tersebut.
D. Scope of Business Law
The ambit of business law in Indonesia is extensive, covering, but not limited to:
- Contract Law: Governing the formation, execution, and enforcement of commercial agreements.
- Corporate Law: Regulating the establishment, operation, and dissolution of business entities such as Limited Liability Companies (PT), Partnerships (CV), and Cooperatives.
- Bankruptcy and Insolvency Law: Addressing the procedures for debt restructuring and liquidation.
- Intellectual Property Law: Protecting inventions, trademarks, copyrights, and trade secrets.
- Consumer Protection Law: Safeguarding the rights and interests of consumers.
- Competition Law: Preventing anti-competitive practices and promoting fair competition.
- Capital Market and Banking Law: Regulating financial institutions and securities transactions.
E. Fundamental Principles of Business Law
Several core principles underpin the operation of business law in Indonesia:
- Freedom of Contract: Parties are generally free to determine the content of their agreements, subject to statutory limitations.
- Good Faith (Itikad Baik): Parties must act honestly and fairly throughout the contractual process.
- Pacta Sunt Servanda: Legally binding agreements must be honoured by the parties.
- Balance of Interests: Ensuring that contractual arrangements do not unduly favour one party over another.
- Legal Certainty: Providing clear, predictable rules to guide business conduct.
- Public Interest Protection: Ensuring that business activities do not harm the broader interests of society.
F. Objectives of Business Law
The overarching objectives of business law include:
- Legal Protection: Shielding business actors and consumers from unfair practices and exploitation.
- Certainty and Order: Establishing a predictable legal framework for commercial transactions.
- Economic Efficiency: Facilitating efficient market operations by reducing transaction costs and disputes.
- Promotion of Fair Competition: Preventing monopolistic and anti-competitive behaviour.
- Adaptation to Economic Development: Enabling the legal system to respond to technological advancements and evolving business models.
G. Contemporary Developments and Challenges
In recent years, Indonesia has undertaken significant reforms to modernise its business law regime. The enactment of the Omnibus Law on Job Creation (Law No. 11 of 2020) represents a watershed moment, aiming to simplify regulatory procedures, attract foreign investment, and stimulate economic growth. This law consolidates and amends numerous statutes relating to business licensing, labour, land acquisition, and taxation.
However, these reforms are not without controversy. Critics argue that rapid deregulation may undermine environmental protections, labour rights, and legal certainty. Moreover, the proliferation of digital business models, such as e-commerce and fintech, presents novel legal challenges that existing laws may not adequately address.
H. Important Courses for Business Law
To become a competent business law practitioner, a law student needs to master various relevant courses and skills. The business law specialisation curriculum at universities typically includes:
Courses
- Introduction to Law
- Civil Law
- Criminal Law
- Administrative Law
- Commercial Law
- Corporate LawXXX
- Contract Law
- Intellectual Property Law
- Tax Law
- Labor Law
- Competition Law
- Banking Law
XXX
- Capital Market Law
- Insurance Law
Complementary Learning Outside Formal Education
- Internships at law firms specialising in business law or legal departments in companies.
- Professional certifications such as an advocate certification, bankruptcy curator, or tax law consultant.
- Postgraduate education, like a Master of Laws (LL.M.) specialising in business law or a Master of Business Administration (MBA).
- Specialised courses and training in topics such as due diligence, contract drafting, or fintech law.
Career Prospects in Business Law
The business law specialisation opens promising career paths, including:
1. Business Advocate/Lawyer
Specialising in business law at law firms or independent practice, handling contract disputes, commercial litigation, shareholder conflicts, or bankruptcy cases.
2. Corporate Lawyer
Working as in-house counsel or legal officer in private companies, state-owned enterprises, or multinationals, focusing on contract drafting, regulatory compliance, corporate legal issues, and advising management.
3. Business Legal Consultant
Providing legal advice on company formation, mergers and acquisitions, restructuring, or business expansion.
4. Compliance Officer
Ensuring company adherence to applicable laws and regulations, especially in regulated industries like banking, insurance, or pharmaceuticals.
5. Legal Researcher/Academic
Pursuing careers as legal researchers or university lecturers focusing on business law.
6. Regulator/Government Official
Working in regulatory bodies overseeing business sectors such as the Financial Services Authority (OJK), Business Competition Supervisory Commission (KPPU), Directorate General of Taxes, or the Ministry of Trade.
7. Business Arbitrator/Mediator
Acting as a neutral party in resolving business disputes through alternative dispute resolution.
8. Legal Tech Entrepreneur
Developing technology solutions that support business law practice, such as contract management software, legal analytics platforms, or online legal services.
I. Business Law in Practice
In the realm of business law practice, the philosophical approach adopted by a law firm can shape its work culture and the quality of services delivered. An inspiring example worth noting for law students is the philosophy implemented by SKY Law Firm, a prominent law firm specialising in several fields of law. SKY Law Firm adopts the “Primus Inter Pares” (First Among Equals) approach in managing cases and providing legal consultation. This philosophy promotes a culture of collaboration and teamwork, enabling the most efficient and effective completion of tasks. By encouraging open communication and mutual respect, this approach fosters creativity, innovation, and a strong sense of ownership among employees. Moreover, it enhances decision-making, as leaders can leverage the collective knowledge and experience of their teams to make more informed and strategic choices.
1. Implementation of the "Primus Inter Pares" Philosophy in Business Law Practice
The application of the “Primus Inter Pares” philosophy in business law practice carries several important implications:
a. Holistic Approach to Client Issues: By involving diverse perspectives from the team, the law firm can offer more comprehensive and innovative solutions to complex business legal problems.
b. Continuous Professional Development: The collaborative culture encourages the exchange of knowledge and experience among team members, creating a learning environment that supports the professional growth of all members.
c. Improved Client Services: By harnessing the collective strengths of the team, the law firm can provide more responsive and tailored services to meet the specific needs of business clients.
d. Innovation in Legal Practice: An environment that encourages open communication and active participation from all team members creates a conducive climate for innovation in delivering legal services.
2. Opportunities for Practising Law
Prominent law firms such as Sky Law Firm provide opportunities for law students to enhance their capabilities in practising law. Students who are doing internships may learn a lot by conducting thorough legal research and assisting in the preparation of cases, as well as drafting various legal documents such as memos, briefs, and contracts. Students enrolled in internships may also support senior lawyers by reviewing and analysing legal materials and assisting in preparing for client meetings, hearings, and trials. Additionally, students may observe legal proceedings to gain practical experience.
3. Requirements for Internship Candidates
In applying for internships, law firms typically have requirements for candidates who are eager to join their program. For example, Sky Law Firm requires its applicants to be currently enrolled in a law degree program and demonstrate a strong academic record in their law studies. Candidates should possess excellent research, writing, and communication skills, along with the ability to work effectively both independently and collaboratively within a team environment. Students who are actively involved in the International Moot Court Competitions are particularly well-suited for this role, as their experience in moot court activities enhances their legal reasoning, advocacy, and teamwork skills, which are essential for success in this position.
J. Conclusion
Business law is indispensable for the orderly conduct of commercial activities in Indonesia. Its principles and regulations provide the scaffolding for economic interaction, balancing the interests of entrepreneurs, consumers, and the state. As Indonesia continues to integrate into the global economy and embrace digital transformation, its business law framework must evolve to address emerging challenges while upholding the foundational values of justice, certainty, and public welfare. A nuanced understanding of business law is thus essential for legal practitioners, business actors, and policymakers alike in navigating the complexities of the contemporary economic landscape.