Dewa 19 honors Late Bandmate Erwin Prasetya with Royalty payment
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JAKARTA – Dewa 19, the iconic Indonesian rock band, has taken a commendable step in acknowledging and honoring the rights of music creators. The band presented royalties to the family of the late Erwin Prasetya, a former member and co-creator of the hit song “You are the only one.” this gesture underscores dewa 19’s commitment to ethical practices within the music industry, ensuring that songwriters and their families receive due compensation for their contributions. The presentation took place on Friday, February 28, 2025, in the Senayan area of Central Jakarta.
Erwin Prasetya, who passed away on May 2, 2020, due to gastric bleeding, was a vital part of Dewa 19’s history. He played bass and contributed substantially to the band’s songwriting, including co-writing “You are the only one” with Ahmad Dhani. His contributions helped shape Dewa 19’s signature sound and solidify their place in indonesian music history.
A Gesture of Respect and Recognition
The royalty payment was presented to Erwin Prasetya’s wife, Miranda, by Andra, representing Dewa 19. This act of goodwill highlights the band’s dedication to honoring their former bandmate’s legacy and ensuring his family benefits from his creative work.
Ahmad Dhani emphasized the importance of this gesture during the event. Erwin Prasetya is the author of the song ‘You are the only one’ that we ofen bring in Dewa 19. So today, we present the wife of the late Erwin prasetya to accept fee Royalti as his inheritance right,
Dhani said, underscoring the band’s respect for Erwin’s contribution.
Dhani further clarified that the royalty payment was made proactively, without any prior request or contractual obligation.This highlights Dewa 19’s commitment to ethical practices beyond mere legal requirements.
The song was created by me and erwin. But even without a contract and without being asked, Dewa 19 still gives Erwin’s economic rights as a songwriter, which is Rp. 75 million.
Ahmad Dhani
Building a Culture of fair Compensation
Dhani also revealed that Dewa 19 has been consistently providing royalties to Erwin prasetya’s family since 2022, demonstrating a long-term commitment to supporting the songwriter’s legacy. this ongoing support aims to foster a more equitable and respectful environment within the music industry.
We want to build a good culture,where royalties are given without needing to be asked. During this time, we have often transferred royalties, whether every month or two months, since 2022,
Dhani explained, emphasizing the band’s proactive approach to ensuring fair compensation for songwriters.
the band’s decision to actively provide songwriter rights aligns with the implementation of the Copyright Law regarding Performing Rights in 2014. This law has encouraged Dewa 19 to formalize and consistently uphold the rights of songwriters, ensuring they receive appropriate compensation for their work.
Since Dewa 19 has been holding a concert with a new singer because since 2010 Dewa 19 has not had a permanent singer – and after the Law Copyright About Performing Rights was implemented in 2014, we began to actively provide songwriter rights. In 2022, Dewa 19 again has a singer,
Dhani added, highlighting the evolution of the band’s approach to copyright and royalty payments.
A Legacy of Music and Respect
Dewa 19’s gesture serves as a powerful example for other artists and music industry stakeholders,promoting a culture of respect and fair compensation for songwriters. By proactively honoring Erwin Prasetya’s contributions, Dewa 19 not only celebrates his legacy but also sets a positive precedent for the future of the Indonesian music industry.
Dewa 19’s royalties to Erwin Prasetya: A Landmark Moment for Indonesian Music Copyright?
Did you know that a simple act of paying royalties can send ripples of change through an entire music industry? dewa 19’s recent payment to the family of their late bandmate, Erwin Prasetya, highlights a crucial issue: fair compensation for musical creators.This interview delves into the significance of this event and its implications for the future of Indonesian music copyright.
Interview with Dr. anya Petrova, Expert in Music Law and Intellectual Property
Senior Editor (SE): Dr.Petrova, Dewa 19’s proactive payment of royalties to Erwin Prasetya’s family is being hailed as a significant step. Can you explain why this action carries such weight in the indonesian music industry context?
Dr. Petrova (DP): Absolutely. The Dewa 19 case is significant as it showcases a voluntary adherence to copyright principles that frequently enough go unenforced or ignored, notably concerning legacy artists and their contributions. In many developing music markets,including Indonesia,the legal framework surrounding music copyright,including aspects of mechanical rights and performance royalties,can be complex and under-resourced.So, proactive payments like these set a powerful precedent, encouraging other artists and labels to prioritize ethical and legally sound practices regarding intellectual property rights. It highlights a shift from a buisness mentality solely focused on profit to one that values the creative work that fuels the industry. This act directly tackles the problem of unpaid or underpaid songwriters, a systemic issue globally, but especially acute in regions where enforcement is less prominent.
SE: The article mentions the 2014 Copyright Law regarding Performing rights. how crucial was this legislation in shaping Dewa 19’s decision,and what impact has it had overall?
DP: The 2014 Copyright Law provided the essential legal framework. However, Dewa 19’s decision transcends mere legal compliance.While the law outlines the rights of songwriters and performers, its effectiveness relies on enforcement and a cultural shift within the industry. The law, in essence, provides the “rules of the game,” but Dewa 19’s actions demonstrate the spirit of fair play—a voluntary commitment to equitable compensation. This legislative framework, coupled with Dewa 19’s exemplary behavior, creates a powerful combination that has long-term potential to reshape industry standards for music royalties in Indonesia. We are witnessing a ripple effect where legal structure meets ethical conduct.
SE: What are some of the broader implications of Dewa 19’s actions regarding artist compensation and legacy protection?
DP: The implications are multifaceted. Beyond the immediate benefit to Erwin Prasetya’s family, the move establishes a crucial benchmark.This action fosters a fairer environment for emerging songwriters, empowering them to negotiate better contracts and expect proper compensation for their creative endeavors. This also sets a strong example for legacy acts: protecting the financial interests of deceased artists honors their work and secures their lasting contributions to the musical landscape. Considering how substantially artists’ earnings are tied to consistent royalty payments, this demonstrates a commitment to building a sustainable system for all involved. Also,it enhances the respect for creative assets and encourages investment in Indonesian music.
SE: What recommendations would you offer to other artists and record labels in Indonesia and beyond to ensure fair compensation for songwriters?
DP: Here are some key recommendations:
Transparency: Implement transparent royalty accounting systems.
Contracts: Utilize robust and clearly defined contracts that explicitly address songwriter rights and compensation structures.
Proactive Payments: Engage in proactive rather than reactive royalty payments; anticipate obligations and maintain consistent payouts.
Education: Invest in educating artists and industry professionals about copyright law and ethical business practices.
Collaboration: Foster collaboration among artists, labels, and rights organizations to establish and uphold fair industry standards.
Advocacy: Support initiatives that advocate for stronger copyright protection and fair compensation for music creators.
SE: Dr. Petrova, thank you for your insightful viewpoint on this significant advancement in the world of Indonesian music. This conversation has been illuminating.
DP: My pleasure. It is indeed heartening to see positive change driven by artists themselves. By actively addressing these crucial issues, we collectively build a more sustainable, equitable, and respectful music industry.
Concluding Thoughts: Dewa 19’s gesture toward honoring Erwin Prasetya’s legacy serves as a powerful beacon, illuminating the path toward fair compensation within the indonesian and beyond. What are your thoughts on this impactful shift? Share your perspectives in the comments below!