Hogan Lovells has entered into a new Indonesian association, seven months after ending its previous agreement.

Local Indonesian outfit Dewi Negara Fachri & Partners (DNFP) has signed an association with the transatlantic firm.

Hogan Lovells has recruited corporate partner Noor Meurling from Ashurst's Singapore association firm, Oentoeng Suria & Partners, to build the relationship between the two firms.

In September last year, Hogan Lovells ended its three-year partnership with seven-partner firm Hermawan Juniarto.

Under Indonesian regulations, international law firms are forbidden from having a formal branch in the country, advising on local law or sharing profits with their local counterparts.

Hogan Lovells' Asia managing partner, Patrick Sherrington, said the association would allow the firm "to shape our strategy and expand our client offering in an entirely new way".

He added: "Indonesia continues to be an attractive growth market, with rising interest from global investors. Companies looking to grow in Asia need to be able to navigate complex jurisdictions and stringent regulations."

Indonesia has attracted law firm attention in recent years thanks to its growing population and economy. In 2015, GDP in the country grew by 4.8% and is projected to grow 5.2% this year, according to the Asian Development bank.

In May last year, White & Case formed an association with Jakarta-based firm Witara Cakra Advocates, after its previous alliance firm suffered partner exits. The two firms formed an exclusive alliance in 2013.

Norton Rose Fulbright changed its own Indonesia alliance earlier this year. The firm ended its tie-up with Susandarini & Partners and entered into a new association with local outfit TNB & Partners in January.

Conversely, in February Squire Patton Boggs ended its association with Indonesian firm Melli Darsa & Co and said it had no plan to enter into a new formal relationship with another firm.