Three Reasons Pontjo Sutowo Opposes Hotel Sultan Eviction

JAKARTA - PT Indobuildco, the company owned by Pontjo Sutowo currently managing Hotel Sultan, has strongly rejected the government’s plan to evict the hotel by 18 June 2026. The eviction order stems from a ruling by the Central Jakarta District Court, communicated via written notice to PT Indobuildco.

Hamdan Zoelva, legal counsel for PT Indobuildco, outlined three reasons why the execution of the eviction could create new issues. “It may be the first time in judicial history that an execution is carried out unlawfully, as the party seeking execution has not been confirmed as the rightful owner of the property,” he stated on 28 May 2026.

Hamdan also noted that according to Supreme Court Circular Letters (SEMA) No. 3 of 2000 and No. 4 of 2001, execution cannot proceed immediately without the claimant depositing a security amount equivalent to the property’s value in court.

Secondly, he argued the eviction would cause social issues, as it would halt business activities at Hotel Sultan, which currently provides livelihoods for thousands of employees, tenants, vendors, and their families. “According to the CEO of the Central Management of the Gelora Bung Karno Complex (PPKGBK), the Hotel Sultan area is to be converted into green space,” he added.

Thirdly, the eviction would disrupt the national business and investment climate, as it would be used as a tool to seize assets, buildings, and businesses built, owned, and managed by PT Indobuildco.

Hamdan further criticised the government’s assertion that the execution is a final stage, saying it oversimplifies the legal complexities. He stressed that the dispute concerns land ownership, not the hotel building or business operations, which involve third-party rights that cannot be ignored.