Kadri Mohamad's Opinion Regarding Music Promoters Asks For Subsidies From The Government

JAKARTA - Singer who is also a legal practitioner, Kadri Mohamad, has more attention to various issues surrounding the Indonesian music industry. He often speaks up and expressed his opinion regarding royalties to music performances in Indonesia.

Kadri also expressed his own views when asked about the statement by the Indonesian Music Promoter Association (APMI), which asked for government support in the form of subsidies for large rental venue fees and licensing fees.

According to the man who got the nickname The Singing Lawyer, the music promoter as a business actor should be able to finance his own business.

"Actually, I really want us to be self-financing, don't ask for money from the state in the form of assistance (or) subsidies, but more for facilities," said Kadri when contacted by VOI recently.

Kadri felt it was important to get used to paid music performances. This can shape public appreciation for the musical work itself.

"Hopefully (the promoter) will start reducing (financing) from sponsorship, but instead from the ability to buy people," he said.

"And because it is free of charge, there is no appreciation from the public to start respecting music. So, people also have adaab when watching, not making riots," he continued.

Regarding the role of the state and government, Kadri asked for support to provide a strong foundation for the performance industry, so that promoters can run their business in the best condition.

For example, said Kadri, countries and governments can prevent demonstrations from forming, when international musicians want to appear in Indonesia. In addition, prevention of the circulation of fake tickets and easy licensing is also important.

It didn't stop there, Kadri also saw the need for state and government support in presenting good buildings or performance venues.

"(The state and government) can make concert buildings financed by the state and the strengths of SOEs, which can contribute to culture. Don't make a good concert building, but expensive, not affordable," said Kadri.

"That assistance is what we must expect, rather than subsidies for concerts. If you make the concert yourself, don't ask the state. Ask the state to fix the infrastructure," he said.