Indra Lesmana Calls Blank License Implemented By LMK No Longer Relevant In Collecting Royalties

Indra Lesmana (Instagram @indralesmana)

JAKARTA - The music royalties system in Indonesia still has a lot of homework to complete. One of them is related to the license plate system which is considered no longer relevant by a number of musicians, including Indra Lesmana.

Musicians, composers and senior keyboardists feel that the system should no longer be used in the digital era as it is today. He conveyed this when attending a meeting at the DPR RI, and further explained it in Instagram uploads.

The simple BLACKet license is referred to as a 'package' system, where users can use the entire catalog covered by an LMK by paying a certain amount. This system is called more concise and makes it easier to collect royalties to eligible business owners.

However, the implementation of this system also has a weakness because the royalty calculation is taken based on samples or estimates. The numbers that come in after deducting operations and other costs will be divided into LMK members according to their portion.

Consequently, the implementation of the license blanket cannot provide detailed information to songwriters for their use of their work. This is what Indra Lesmana is trying to oppose.

"Blanket License for music royalties was discovered in 1917, when the internet was not available, when it got the data accurately it was still impossible and the release of songs was still small etc. Now 2025, where everything has been connected via the internet quickly, where songs can be detected through the HP application in seconds and at the same time there are 120,000 more songs released every day in the world. Blanket license becomes increasingly irrelevant.

Digitalization will play a key role in collecting music royalties in the country. Through integration with several platforms, according to Indra, this will reduce suspicion due to accurate data.

"With tools like Shazam, BMAT, DJ monitors, log streaming, etc. we can find out what songs are actually performed/played somewhere. There is no longer any reason to use "estimation" or "sampling system"," he explained.

In addition, the number of catalogs published is also the next reason why the license blanks should be abandoned.

"In 1917, there were still few catalogs. In 2025, more than 120,000 new songs were released every day. Blanket License is unlikely to reflect realistic diversity," added Indra Lesmana.

The unrest related to distribution that harms songwriters also marks the weakness of the system that has been running so far. This senior jazz music figure believes technology will help with proper distribution.

"Because the payment of the license license is based on the sampling method, the creators will not get fair and accurate royalties even if their songs are actually sung or played, or vice versa, they get payments they shouldn't get," said the musician who was once a Krakatau band member.

Finally, Indra assessed that the direct licensing system also continues to develop in various countries, and will be an alternative solution in Indonesia. He also discussed several other options such as a micro licensing or Blockchain/Smart Contract to prioritize royalty transparency which is the main goal at this time.