Moeldoko Affirms Intervention In The Issue Of Governance Of Indonesian Royalties Composer

Presidential Chief of Staff Moeldoko in an audience between the All-Indonesian Composters Association (AKSI) and the Presidential Staff Office in Bina Graha, Jakarta, on Thursday 28 December. (Ist)

JAKARTA - Presidential Chief of Staff (KSP) Moeldoko emphasized that his intention was to intervene regarding the complaints of songwriters regarding royalty rights. This statement arose in an audience between the All-Indonesian Composer Association (AKSI) and the Presidential Staff Office in Bina Graha, Jakarta, on Thursday December 28. Moeldoko responded to the complaints of musicians and artists regarding the mechanism of withdrawal, management, and distribution of royalties that were considered burdensome to the composer. In addition, industry players demand transparency from the National Collective Management Institute (LMKN) and the Collective Management Institute (LMK), which is responsible for the collection and distribution of economic rights. "Precisely, I will invite related stakeholders to discuss composite complaints in order for improvements in governance, accountability, and transparency of related institutions," said Moeldoko. ACTION representation also reveals the issue of the lack of transparency from LMKN in royalty distribution because there is no clear basis of computation. Moeldoko emphasized that the government will follow up on this issue and has provided directions regarding licensing of one-door concerts. Related to LMKN transparency in royalty granting, according to Law No. 28 concerning Copyright and Government Regulation No. 56 of 2021 concerning Royalty Management of Song and/or Music Copyright, LMKN is responsible and needs to evaluate its accountability. The General Chairperson of ACTION, Piyu, stated that two times the subpoena had been made to LMKN without answers. To overcome the use of song work, Piyu and composite ACTION propose a direct licensing system (direct license) so that the composer can directly obtain economic benefits, eliminating delays in distribution.

In addition to royalty issues, the Deputy Chairperson of ACTION, Rika Roeslan, highlighted the need to protect the welfare rights of musicians or songwriters through regulations that provide regulation and protection of economic rights. "The royalty rights greatly affect the welfare of musicians; hopefully, the government can accommodate this complaint as an important agenda," said Rika.