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DLA Piper is ending its relationship with Indonesian firm Ivan Almaida Baely & Firmansyah (IAB&F).

DLA struck up a strategic alliance with the Jakarta-based firm three years ago in a bid step up its presence in the fast-growing economic region.

The firm said it will continue to work with IAB&F and other Indonesian firms.

Indonesian bar rules prevent international firms from practising local law directly. Before entering into the association with IAB&F, the firm carried out this work from Singapore

A DLA spokesperson said: "Our formal relationship with IAB&F is ending soon. However, we will continue to work with them and other Indonesian firms based on the needs of our clients."

DLA has been actively involved in Indonesian matters for many years, advising government, state-owned and local enterprises, international companies, financial institutions and funds on a broad range of matters.

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

However, other international firms continue to pursue a local presence there. This June, Hogan Lovells secured an alliance with local Indonesian outfit Dewi Negara Fachri & Partners, seven months after ending its previous agreement. Meanwhile, in May last year White & Case formed an association with Jakarta firm Witara Cakra Advocates.

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.