JAKARTA - PT Digital Network Aesthetics (DNA) has decided to file a lawsuit against Awakening Music, a British-based music label, known to house Muslim artists such as Maher Zain, Raef, and Harris J.
The lawsuit is based on a series of incidents that have been considered a violation of ethics, unprofessionalism, and an expansion of the cooperation commitments that have existed for more than 14 years.
The partnership with Awakening Music has been established since 2010, by holding several concerts Maher Zain and other artists in Indonesia.
Rina Novita as CEO of DNA said that her party had its own pride when it helped popularize and introduce big names in the Islamic music industry to the Indonesian people. But what has happened to Awakening Music in recent years has caused serious problems.
"Every year we think about how Maher Zain's name continues to rise," Rina Novita told the media crew in Manggarai, South Jakarta on Tuesday, July 1.
Rina explained that the problem with Awakening Music began in early 2023, when the label 'with the help of DNA' asked Maher Zain to appear in the celebration of the 100th Anniversary of Nahdlatul Ulama (NU) in Sidoarjo on February 7, 2023.
But before the event, Awakening Music suddenly stated that Maher could not attend due to illness. There is no video or photo to validate the condition of the Swedish singer, so DNA has difficulty providing explanations to the committee and the public.
A bigger problem occurred after Maher Zain made an Instagram post on February 8 a day after the celebration of the 100th anniversary of NU in good health, while inviting fans to help Turkish people who had just experienced an earthquake.
"Maher Zain appeared healthy, everyone was angry with me, I was accused of taking down payments, very hurt," added Rina.
The incident put DNA's reputation at stake. There was a crisis of trust from strategic partners, which previously went well.
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To restore good name, DNA plans to make a concert in August 2024, but failed due to event organizers and investors who are considered unprofessional. However, after getting a replacement investor, Awakening again caused problems by not providing certainty on the concert schedule.
DNA seeks to find solutions and establish communication with Awakening Music and Sharif Banna, including requests to meet in Istanbul to discuss the schedule for Maher Zain's concert in 2025 as a substitute for the concert that failed in August 2024. However, Awakening for no apparent reason boycotts DNA by not replying to dozens of messages.
Until finally arriving at something that was very disappointing, Rina revealed that the Awakening Music brought Maher Zain to Indonesia at the BSI event on June 28, 2025 at JHCC without information, communication or letter of termination of cooperation with DNA which has popularized Maher Zain's name in Indonesia since 2011.
"I have evidence of cooperation, such as accounts and written names in the book Awakening Music," said Rina Novita.
Taking into account the reputation and professional responsibility, DNA officially filed a lawsuit against Awakening Music in court.
"Awakening Music plays the atmosphere, boycotting communication with Mrs. Rina. It's a shame. Maher Zain should be exclusive to DNA. There are material and immaterial losses," said Hamzah Fansyuri, DNA attorney.
With the current conditions, DNA also appealed to all EOs, promoters, and event organizers in Indonesia not to cooperate with artists under the auspices of Awakening Music while the legal process is still ongoing, as well as to avoid involvement in problematic contracts that have the potential to trigger further legal impacts.
Furthermore, Rina Novita explained, the decision to sue for Awakening Music was not an easy decision. According to her, this step is a form of DNA's responsibility for professional integrity, Islamic syiar, and work ethics.
"DNA is committed to continuing to maintain the credibility of the dignified and professional Islamic entertainment industry," concluded Rina.
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