Chronology of the Royalty Case of Agnez Mo and Ari Bias, Last Chance for Appeal?

Kapanlagi.com - In the world of the music industry, copyright of songs often becomes a topic of debate. Conflicts between songwriters and singers frequently arise due to differing views on the use of works without permission. One of the latest cases that has emerged is the dispute between Agnez Mo and musician Ari Bias regarding the copyright of the song "Bilang Saja".

The issue began with the use of the song "Bilang Saja" by Agnez Mo in three concerts held in Jakarta, Surabaya, and Bandung. Ari Bias, as the songwriter, felt that he never officially granted permission for the performance, which ultimately led to a legal lawsuit. The Central Jakarta Commercial Court ruled that Agnez Mo was guilty and must pay a fine of Rp1.5 billion.

This case has sparked widespread debate in the music industry regarding who should be responsible for song licensing in concerts. Should this burden fall on the singer or the event organizer (EO)? Amidst this controversy, signals have emerged that Agnez Mo's side may consider filing an appeal.

1. The Beginning of the Lawsuit: From Warning to Case Registration

Agnez Mo and Ari Bias in court. (credit:youtube.com/@corbuzier)

Before this case went to court, Ari Bias first sent a warning to Agnez Mo. This warning is a legal notice requesting Agnez Mo to resolve the issue amicably. However, there was no common ground in the negotiations.

Due to the lack of agreement, Ari Bias eventually registered the lawsuit at the Central Jakarta Commercial Court. This lawsuit is registered under case number 92/Pdt.Sus-HKI/Cipta/2024/PN Niaga Jkt.Pst. In the lawsuit, Agnez Mo is accused of violating copyright by using a song without permission in her concert.

2. Agnez Mo's Concert Challenged by Ari Bias

Agnez Mo and Ari Bias in court. (credit:youtube.com/@corbuzier)

Ari Bias highlights three concerts that are the basis of his lawsuit. The first concert took place in Surabaya on May 25, 2023, followed by a concert in Jakarta on May 26, 2023, and lastly in Bandung on May 27, 2023.

In these three concerts, Agnez Mo allegedly performed the song "Bilang Saja" without official permission from its creator. Ari Bias's attorney, Minola Sebayang, emphasized that this action constitutes a copyright violation and has serious legal implications.

3. Court Decision: Agnez Mo Fined Rp1.5 Billion

Agnez Mo and Ari Bias in court. (credit:youtube.com/@corbuzier)

After going through the trial process, the panel of judges at the Central Jakarta Commercial Court finally delivered a verdict on January 30, 2025. In the ruling, Agnez Mo was found guilty and fined Rp1.5 billion.

The judge ruled that every concert featuring songs without permission must be fined. In this case, Agnez Mo was fined Rp500 million per concert, resulting in a total amount of Rp1.5 billion to be paid to Ari Bias as the song creator.

4. Debate: Who is Responsible?

Agnez Mo and Ari Bias in the trial. (credit:youtube.com/@corbuzier)

This ruling sparked a debate among musicians and music industry practitioners. Many argue that the responsibility for obtaining permission to use songs in concerts should lie with the event organizer (EO), not the singer.

However, according to Minola Sebayang, the Copyright Law states that the singer performing the song in a concert is responsible for obtaining permission from the song creator. This has led to a duality of thought in the music industry regarding copyright licensing.

5. Signal to File an Appeal: The Next Step for Agnez Mo

Although a verdict has been reached, Agnez Mo's side has not yet made an official statement regarding the next legal steps. However, based on close sources, there is a possibility that Agnez Mo will file an appeal against the verdict.

If an appeal is filed, the legal process can still continue to a higher level. This opens up opportunities for Agnez Mo to defend herself and seek justice in this case.

(kpl/vna)