Depok – Minister of Law Supratman Andi Agtas urged the public not to be provoked into refusing to pay royalties. He delivered the message while speaking at the What’s Up Ministry of Law – Campus Calls Out event held at the Balairung, University of Indonesia, Depok.
The Minister explained that music listeners can continue to enjoy music for free through digital platforms, as royalties are already paid by the platforms through advertising-based monetization. However, different rules apply to businesses that use music for commercial purposes.
“Music listeners need not worry. This is different from restaurant, karaoke, and hotel operators who use music commercially. Do not be provoked into refusing to pay royalties, those who tend to object are usually business operators,” Supratman said to the predominantly student audience on Monday (February 09 2026).
He further noted that the current royalty governance system remains suboptimal, largely due to incomplete data.
“We will make every effort to improve royalty governance through transparency and accountability, for the benefit of musicians and the entire creative ecosystem,” he emphasized.
Meanwhile, Professor of Intellectual Property Law at the University of Indonesia, Agus Sardjono, stressed the need for a fully digital data system to facilitate royalty collection and governance.
“This will ensure that royalties are paid accurately based on the actual use of each work. Regulations are also needed to ensure that both digital and analog performances are properly recorded,” he explained.
Music practitioner and artist Ariel Noah added that public awareness of copyright remains limited, making education efforts essential.
“Expanding public understanding of copyright is crucial. Many people still believe that performing rights royalties only apply to live performances, which is not true,” Ariel said.
National Collective Management Organization (LMKN) Commissioner and artist Marcell Siahaan highlighted the importance of harmonizing understanding among all stakeholders, noting that many people remain unfamiliar with royalty regulations and payment mechanisms.
“Sometimes it’s not that they refuse to pay, they simply don’t know. They need guidance,” Marcell remarked.
Earlier, University of Indonesia Rector Heri Hermansyah expressed his appreciation to the Ministry of Law for organizing the event. He emphasized that royalty issues require inclusive and collaborative dialogue, given that the creative industry is a key pillar of the national economy.
