ASIRI Calls Piracy Still A Challenge In The Music Industry

Illustration (Pixabay)

JAKARTA - General Manager of the Indonesian Recording Industry Association (ASIRI) Braniko Indhyar said piracy is still a challenge that must be faced by players in the music industry in the digital era.

"Speaking of the challenges of the music industry in the digital era, I think it's still (about) piracy. In the past (enjoying music) physically, but now it's digital. Currently, there are also many websites that convert video to mp3 form," said Braniko via online media discussion reported by Antara, Monday.

"For example, some have been closed (take down), later they will come out again with other names and domains. This is still PR (homework) and we have to continue to fix it," he added.

In addition to the proliferation of web pages that can be used to convert video to audio formats such as mp3, the man who is familiarly called Niko said there are also a number of illegal applications that provide pirated music.

Niko continued, his party has cooperated with various parties including the government to eradicate song piracy. "We are coordinating with the Ministry of Communication and Information and the Ministry of Law and Human Rights to close or take down the web from search engines," he said.

However, Niko does not deny that the increasingly dynamic digital era also provides many conveniences, both for musicians, music labels, and fans.

"Label (music) is still producing songs, albums, events to attract fans. Promotions are now very different, and now 'selling' is also easier. Especially with music streaming applications and interactive features in it," said Niko.

"In addition to making it easier for labels and musicians, this also makes it easier for their fans. The interactive features also make the gap between musicians and fans practically non-existent," he added.

Furthermore, Niko presented data that based on data from the International Federation of the Phonographic Industry (IFPI), Indonesia is in position number 34 (number 2 in Southeast Asia above Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore) out of 57 member countries around the world, and approx. 70 percent of that is from streaming.

This proves that streaming services are driving the Indonesian music industry and creating new enthusiasm and opportunities.

"This means that the music industry in Indonesia is currently driven by streaming, which is certainly produced by fans," he said.

Apart from supporting their favorite musicians through legal works, Niko said fans can also give their support in other ways; from buying official merchandise, attending music events, and more. However, according to him, the most important thing is that fans are able to appreciate and appreciate musicians.

"The most important thing is to respect musicians. In this digital era, it is easy for everyone to sing a song. How to appreciate a song, for example, when you want to cover it, you have to get permission. With permission, it makes the musician feel happy and gives more value and enthusiasm to work," concluded Niko