The Copyright controversy Rocking Indonesia’s Music Scene

Jakarta, Indonesia – A fierce battle over music copyright is raging in Indonesia, with prominent rock musicians taking opposing sides. At the heart of the conflict lies a essential question: how should artists obtain the rights to perform songs? This debate has ignited passionate arguments and accusations, raising critical questions about the future of music and the rights of songwriters.

Dr.Maya Adiwijaya, a leading expert in Indonesian music copyright law, sheds light on the controversy. “This situation stems from a core disagreement: how should musicians obtain the rights to perform songs?” she explains.The debate centers around two primary approaches: direct licensing and collective management.

Ahmad Dhani‘s Fiery Response: “Don’t Be Pretentious Rich!”

Ahmad Dhani, a rock icon known for his strong opinions, is a vocal advocate for direct licensing. This approach requires artists to seek permission directly from the songwriters themselves. dhani believes this method is essential to protect the rights and livelihoods of songwriters, ensuring they receive fair compensation for their work.

Dhani’s stance is particularly pointed, even accusing Ariel NOAH, another major figure in Indonesian rock, of being “pretentious rich.” This accusation highlights the perception that some established artists may not fully appreciate the financial struggles faced by songwriters. According to Dr. adiwijaya, “dhani’s statement stems from a place of protecting songwriters, who may not always have the financial resources or negotiating power of a major artist.”

The core of Dhani’s criticism is that artists who don’t consider the financial well-being of creators by wanting to use music without direct permission are being “pretentious.” This touches on a larger conversation about wealth distribution within the music industry, a conversation familiar to the U.S. music scene as well, where debates about streaming royalties and artist compensation are ongoing.

Piyu Weighs In: Protecting Songwriter Rights

Piyu, the guitarist of the band Rice Reborn, also supports direct licensing, emphasizing the hardships songwriters face when their works are performed without proper compensation. These hardships include:

• Loss of Income: Without royalties, songwriters struggle to earn a living.
• Lack of Control: They lose control over how their music is used.
• Undervaluation: Their creations are devalued, making it difficult to sustain a career.

These issues resonate with songwriters in the U.S., where similar concerns about fair compensation and control over their work have led to ongoing legal battles and industry reforms.

The Core of the Dispute: Direct Licensing vs. Collective Management

The central conflict revolves around direct licensing versus collective management. Dr. Adiwijaya explains the implications of each approach:

• Direct Licensing: “Grants songwriters more control. Its like a one-on-one negotiation, enabling them to negotiate for fairer compensation and have a say in how their music is used.Direct licensing also offers songwriters a sense of value for their work.”
• Collective Management: “Streamlines the process. LMKs, like ASCAP and BMI in the US, handle licensing for a large catalog of songs. This is convenient for artists, notably those who perform a wide range of music. Tho, the downside is that individual songwriters may feel their interests are not fully represented, and that their royalties are not always optimized.”

In the U.S., ASCAP and BMI have faced scrutiny over their royalty distribution practices, with some songwriters arguing that the system favors larger publishers and established artists. This mirrors the concerns raised in Indonesia about the potential for collective management to disadvantage individual songwriters.

Implications for the Indonesian Music Industry and Beyond

The outcome of this debate will have far-reaching consequences for the Indonesian music industry and could potentially influence music licensing practices globally. The Indonesian situation mirrors ongoing debates in the U.S. music industry, particularly concerning the impact of digital music and streaming services on copyright laws.

The U.S.experience offers both lessons and warnings. The rise of streaming has fundamentally changed how music is consumed and how royalties are calculated. Key takeaways include:

• Adaptability: Copyright laws must evolve to keep pace with technological advancements.
• Transparency: Artists and songwriters need a clear understanding of royalty calculations and distribution.
• Collaboration: A collaborative approach between artists, songwriters, and industry stakeholders is essential for fair solutions.

The Copyright Act in the U.S. has been amended multiple times to address issues related to digital music, but challenges persist.The Music Modernization Act of 2018 was a significant step, but ongoing debates about fair compensation for artists on streaming platforms continue.

Recent Developments and Future Outlook

To address these challenges, Dr. Adiwijaya suggests several potential solutions for the Indonesian music industry:

• Leveraging Technology: “explore using blockchain technology to create a decentralized system for tracking and managing music rights. This can increase transparency and efficiency.”
• Strengthening Copyright Laws: “Ensuring that the laws accurately reflect the value of the music in the digital age.”
• Promoting Education: “it’s essential to educate artists, songwriters, and the public about copyright laws and licensing options.”

Blockchain technology, such as, offers a potential solution for creating a more transparent and efficient system for tracking and managing music rights. This technology could help ensure that songwriters receive fair compensation for their work by providing a secure and auditable record of music usage.

Dr. adiwijaya believes that the future of music licensing in Indonesia may involve a blended approach. “I see potential for a hybrid system that combines the convenience of collective management with the control and fairness of direct licensing,” she says. If Indonesia can find the right balance, it could set a precedent for othre countries, leading to:

• Increased income for songwriters
• More control for artists over their creative works
• Growth in the industry as a whole

The choices Indonesia makes in addressing this copyright controversy will have significant implications for its music ecosystem and could serve as a model for other nations grappling with similar challenges in the digital age.

Indonesian Music’s Copyright Clash: Why Songwriter Rights Are the New Rock ‘n’ Roll Battleground

The Indonesian music scene is currently embroiled in a heated debate over copyright, specifically concerning the rights of songwriters. This conflict has brought to the forefront the tension between established artists and the creators behind the music, highlighting the need for a fair and enduring system that benefits all parties involved.

What do you think? Do you agree with Ahmad Dhani’s viewpoint, or is Ariel Noah’s approach more pragmatic? Share your thoughts in the comments below!