Music Royalty Polemic, Member Of Parliament Urges Government To Facilitate Dialogue Of Business Actors And Musicians

Member of Commission Xll DPR RI Mafirion asked the government to intervene to facilitate dialogue between musicians, business actors, and the National Collective Management Institute (LMKN) to find solutions to the polemic of music royalties that have recently surfaced in public spaces.

According to Mafirion, currently the anxiety is happening on both sides. On the one hand, business actors are worried about the potential for additional expenses due to the obligation to pay royalties. On the other hand, musicians actually feel hesitant to perform songs, not their own creations in various places of business.

"This is an unhealthy condition for the creative industry ecosystem. The government must be present and facilitate dialogue between musicians, business actors, and LMKN. Do not let this polemic drag on until it becomes the peaking unrest," Mafirion told reporters, Wednesday, August 6.

He emphasized that the issue of royalties cannot be seen in black and white. According to him, all parties certainly support the appreciation of copyright and protection of works of art. However, this policy must pay attention to the ability of business actors, especially those on a small and medium scale.

"Don't let the fear due to the burden of royalties actually hinder the growth of the creative industry itself," he said.

Mafirion alluded to data from LMKN which shows that at the beginning of the application of the Copyright Law, royalties were only around Rp. 400 million per year. However, this figure has increased significantly in recent years and has now reached around Rp. 200 billion per year.

He assessed that the growth illustrates the great potential of the national music industry, as well as emphasizing the importance of a more transparent and fair royalty management system so that all parties feel involved and not harmed.

This is not just a matter of money. This is a matter of building a fair music and business industry ecosystem. Therefore, I urge the government through the relevant ministries to facilitate open and productive dialogue," said Mafirion.

He also suggested that the government actively socialize the provisions in Law Number 28 of 2014 concerning Copyright to all stakeholders, so that there is a common understanding.

"All parties must sit down together and speak honestly in order to create a solution that is not burdensome, but still upholds the rights of the creator," added Mafirion.

"If all parties understand the rules in its entirety, then I am sure that the implementation can be accepted gracefully," he said.