Verrell Bramasta Highlights Musician Protests About Royalty, DPR Asks Government To Pay Attention

Member of Commission X DPR RI Verrell Bramasta. (Doc Instagram/@bramastavrl)

JAKARTA - Member of Commission X DPR RI Verrell Bramasta highlighted the musician's protests regarding the issue of royalties that are considered not to be in favor of the work of the nation's children. Verrell hopes that the Government will pay attention to the inequality problems that occur in managing this music royalties.

"The rights of musicians must be respected, and the issue of royalties for this work has actually often become the attention of fellow musicians. We hope that there will be concrete actions that ensure that the rights of musicians and artists are fulfilled fairly and transparently," said Verrell Bramasta, Saturday, December 14.

To note, the issue of royalties resurfaced after Guitarist and musician Satriyo Yudi Wahono or better known as Piyu Padi Reborn expressed his disappointment because he only received music royalties of Rp. 125,000 in 2024 from the State Collective Management Institute (LMKN). This was conveyed by Piyu in the Forum Group Discussion (FGD) regarding the Governance of Music Royalties some time ago.

Related to this, Verrell also considered that there must be improvements in royalty governance because those currently exist are still detrimental to musicians.

"Obviously there is something wrong and needs to be evaluated in royalty management by LMKN. Musicians should not be made to lose, creating the work is not easy," said the legislator from the West Java VII electoral district.

For information, currently the regulations governing song and music royalties are contained in Law no. 28 of 2014 concerning Copyright. Article 40 paragraph (1) point d of the regulation explains that songs and/or music with or without text are protected creations.

In addition, there is also Government Regulation (PP) No. 56 of 2021 concerning the Management of Song and/or Music Copyright Royalties. Article 3 of this PP states that everyone can use songs or music commercially in the form of public services by paying royalties to creators, copyright holders, or owners of related rights through LMKN.

Verrell continued, actually this protest moment can be used as input for inclusive regulatory updates related to royalty issues. Of course, he said, involving input from musicians and artists.

"So the policies taken are not only in favor of the management institutions, but also in creators who actually drive this industry," Verrell said.

Verrel hopes that the latest regulations must be based on the principle of sustainable transparency so that no more musicians are harmed. The new rules must be able to ensure that every musician receives a decent reward for their work, and royalty management must be done openly and accountably," he said.

"Because the rules regarding royalties currently do not side with musicians. Do not let the problem continue to be sustainable and protracted," Verrell continued.

The member of the Commission in charge of education and cultural arts affairs also encouraged the Government, LMKN, the community of musicians and stakeholders in other music industries to sit down together to find the best way to overcome the royalty issue. Verrell said there must be a constructive dialogue between all parties.

" Musicians must be involved in every policy related to royalty management in order to strengthen the creative industry ecosystem in Indonesia," he said.

Verrell also believes that proper reform measures in royalty management can improve musicians' welfare. This can also have a positive impact on the development of the overall music industry in Indonesia.

The rights of artists and musicians must be further improved so that the Indonesian music industry can grow healthy and advanced. With the spirit of togetherness to build the Indonesian music scene, we can create an environment that supports innovation and creativity in the art and music industry in the country," he concluded.