Professor Ariawan Gunadi, S.H., M.H., a professor at the Faculty of Law of Universitas Tarumanagara (FH Untar), represented Indonesia as part of the Indonesian Delegation at the 55th session of the United Nations Commission on International Trade Law (UNCITRAL). The international session was held from October 12–16, 2026, at the Vienna International Centre in Vienna, Austria, with a primary focus on reforming international investment dispute settlement mechanisms.
Prof. Ariawan, who also serves as Chair of the Tarumanagara Foundation Board, participated as part of the contribution of Indonesian academics to global discussions on developments in investment law. His attendance at the UN Headquarters and UNCITRAL in Vienna marked his third participation in a UN forum, following previous meetings in Geneva, Switzerland, and at UN Headquarters in New York, United States.
The 55th UNCITRAL session focused on reforming the Investor-State Dispute Settlement (ISDS) mechanism, which governs disputes between foreign investors and states. Discussions covered improvements to dispute settlement procedures and the development of guidelines on the assessment of damages and compensation.
According to Prof. Ariawan, ISDS reform is a strategic step toward establishing a more balanced international investment law system that accommodates the interests of all parties.
“Reforming international investment dispute settlement mechanisms is a strategic step toward strengthening legal certainty, transparency, and justice, while building global confidence in a more balanced and sustainable investment law system,” he said.
From Indonesia’s perspective, Prof. Ariawan believes that discussions on ISDS reform are important for protecting national interests and implementing investment policies. Aligning national regulations with developments in international law is a key factor in creating a competitive investment climate.
“Legal certainty, clear regulations, and effective law enforcement are the main foundations for creating a healthy, conducive, and competitive investment climate,” he said.
He also expressed hope that the reforms would increase international investor confidence and create investment opportunities that deliver tangible benefits to the national economy. In addition, stronger regulations are expected to expand market access and improve the competitiveness of Indonesian products in global markets.
Prof. Ariawan emphasized that Indonesia needs to play an active role in the development of international investment law. In his view, the success of investment development should not be measured solely by the amount of capital entering the country, but also by its contribution to justice, public welfare, and sustainable development.
The UNCITRAL forum brings together representatives from various countries and international organizations. Discussions on ISDS reform have been underway since 2017 as part of efforts to improve the governance of global investment dispute settlement.
Prof. Ariawan’s participation in the session also highlights the relevance of Indonesian universities’ expertise in international legal discourse. For Universitas Tarumanagara, this participation provides an opportunity to broaden academic perspectives and encourage the development of international business law in response to the evolving dynamics of global investment. (YS)