Chronology Of Agnez Mo And Ari Bias Cases, Fighting For Justice On Music Royalties

Chronology of the Ari Bias vs Agnez Mo (Ist) royalty case

JAKARTA - The case of music royalties that dragged the names of Ari Bias and Agnez Mo is still hot. This case is so far dubbed a civil war between singers and songwriters.

This problem is like dividing the creative music ecosystem into two camps. Songwriters feel that royalties raised through the LMK and LMKN systems are not transparent enough and fair enough. That's why they demand changes to the law to change the percentage of royalties.

This wish has not yet been realized, until the composer chooses to take prohibition measures. This case is even more complex and attracts attention, triggering movement in order to find a middle ground.

It has been rolling for some time, here is the chronology of a long debate regarding the music royalties of Ari Bias and Agnez Mo.

December 2023

Ari Bias, the songwriter, Saya Saja, popularized by Agnez Mo, complained about the payment of performing rights which he said was not going well. At various events he claims that he does not get the royalties as regulated in copyright laws.

Because of this, Ari forbade Agnez Mo to perform the songs he wrote without permission. Apart from saying "Just Say", other songs such as Not Your Story Again are also prohibited from being performed by Agnez at a number of events.

Ari Bias said he had contacted Agnez Mo's management regarding royalties, admitting he had not received a response. Agnez also chose to remain silent amid the claims and protests shown by Ari.

May 2024

Through his attorney, Ari Bias sent a summons and compensation deposit of Rp1.5 billion to Agnez Mo. Ari attached several events in which Agnez Mo performed his song at a commercial event without his permission.

June 2024

Not satisfied with the reaction of Agnez Mo's team, Ari Bias reported the singer to the Criminal Investigation Unit. Accompanied by Minola Sebayang, the report was entered on June 19, 2024 with the number LP/B/202/VI/2024/SPKT/BARESKRIM POLRI.

September 2024

On September 11, 2024, Ari Bias and his team filed a regional lawsuit at the Central Jakarta Commercial Court. In this report, Ari attached three specific stage schedules, namely an event held by HW Group in Surabaya (May 25, 2023), Bandung (May 27, 2023) and Jakarta (May 26, 2023).

The inaugural trial of the Ari Bias Vs Agnez Mo case was held on September 19, 2024 with the agenda of reading the lawsuit.

December 2024

The case rolled and Agnez Mo finally presented evidence and presented witnesses at the trial. Ari Bias also did the same as a follow-up.

January 2025

After reviewing the evidence and witnesses, on January 30, the Central Jakarta Commercial Court won Ari Bias. Agnez was found guilty of performing the song Say Just without the songwriter's permission.

February 2025

In early February Agnez Mo began to speak personally through social media platforms. He questioned the accusations addressed to him, and admitted that he had made royalty payments according to applicable regulations, namely through LMK.

On February 13, LMKN held a meeting to discuss this case because it further involved the Indonesian music ecosystem more widely. Dharma Oratmangun respects the court's decision and hopes that there will be no intervention or provocation that will harm all parties.

Agnez's party indicated that they would file an appeal according to legal procedures. He had spoken on Deddy Corbuzier's podcast in a video that aired on February 18, revealing many things from his point of view.

Reacting to this case, singers and musicians initiated the Vibration of Indonesian Voice (VISION) which aims to support a comfortable and safe Indonesian music ecosystem for all parties. They also hope that the singers will receive legal protection for their profession, reflecting on the sensational case that is still rolling.