Ariel NOAH Calls Copyright Law Not Only About Creators, But Also Performers

Ariel NOAH in a press conference for the Indonesian Voice Vibration in Jakarta (Ivan Two Men/VOI)

JAKARTA - Ariel NOAH through an Instagram upload with the Indonesian Voice Vibration (VISION) again spoke about his disagreement regarding direct license and permission to songwriters in the context of music performances.

At the beginning of the video, the NOAH frontman said that Law No. 28 of 2014 concerning Copyright (UUHC) was not only to protect songwriters, but also many other parties, including singers as performers.

"We need to note that the economic rights of creators and economic rights that display them are two different things, and that is regulated in the Copyright Law issued by the government (with the legislature)," Ariel said, citing his statement on Instagram, Sunday, March 23.

"So, inside is not only about songwriters, but also about all actors in copyright implementation," he continued.

Then, Ariel talked about two articles that have often been debated by musicians in recent years, namely Article 9 paragraph (3) and Article 23 paragraph (5).

Meanwhile, Article 9 paragraph (3) reads: Everyone without the permission of the Creator or holder of the Copyright is prohibited from doubling and/or making Commercial Use.

Meanwhile, Article 23 paragraph (5) reads: Everyone can make Commercial Use of Creation in a show without asking permission from the Creator first by paying a reward to the Creator through the Collective Management Institute.

Ariel said the two articles were often opposed. In fact, according to him, bridging the rights of songwriters as Creators with the rights of singers as Performers.

"This is the problem at this time, both of them seem to be conflicting with each other. But generally so far, most music industry players in Indonesia understand that this article does not conflict with each other, but is regulated to complement each other, for the sake of smoothness or efficiency in the implementation (rights) of the economy," said Ariel.

"Some of us have opinions. This is due to the nature of the performing rights. The nature of these rights can occur simultaneously in one day throughout Indonesia every day. Well, because of this mass nature, it is regulated, Article 9 explains that there must be a permit, Article 23 explains how to get the permit," he continued.

Ariel continued, as long as the latest UUHC was implemented, royalty management for performing rights was carried out by the Collective Management Institute (LMK).

"So it has been common for singers, to sing directly a song, then pay payments to creators as regulated in Article 23, namely through LMK," said Ariel.

"Especially for the original singers or singers who sang the song for the first time, the song was first heard to the public through their voices. They are used to implementing the Article 23 mechanism," he concluded.