Jakarta (ANTARA) - Minister of Culture Fadli Zon has pledged to resolve the growing reluctance among cafés and businesses to play Indonesian music due to concerns over royalty payments.
“We’ll sort this out and seek a win-win solution, as there’s clearly a misunderstanding and fear surrounding the issue,” the minister said on Sunday in Depok, West Java. He emphasized that the matter is not solely the responsibility of the Ministry of Culture, but also involves the Ministry of Law and Human Rights, particularly with regard to copyright and intellectual property rights (IPR).
“We want Indonesian songs to thrive. The key is finding a way forward through dialogue, especially since this issue involves multiple ministries and agencies,” he added.
Fadli also stated that his ministry will soon initiate inter-agency coordination to find a fair solution for both the music industry and business owners. His remarks have sparked hope among creative industry players, who often feel caught between cultural appreciation and the administrative demands of copyright regulations.
According to Fadli, business owners' concerns must not be ignored, as they could hinder the distribution and appreciation of works by Indonesian musicians.
“We must address this properly so that people won’t hesitate to play Indonesian music in public spaces,” he continued.
Several cafés and restaurants in Indonesia have begun reducing or even stopping the playback of Indonesian songs due to fears over royalty complications. Some have opted to play Western songs or instrumental tracks, while others have chosen silence altogether to avoid royalty obligations.
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Previously, the Indonesian Music Licensing Collective Management Organization (SELMI) reported Mie Gacoan, a restaurant in Bali, for alleged copyright violations.
I Gusti Ayu Sasih Ira, Director of PT Mitra Bali Sukses—the franchise holder of Mie Gacoan—was later named a suspect.
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She stands accused of playing music without authorization and failing to pay royalties since 2022.
The case has become a significant precedent, prompting other business owners to pay closer attention to the legal implications of playing music in their establishments.
