Rhoma Irama Highlights LMKN, Questions Transparency Issues

On that occasion, Rhoma emphasized the importance of returning to the old rules during the transition period of the new system. According to him, this step is necessary to avoid chaos in the management of royalties.

"Therefore, as the Chairman of PAMMI (Indonesian Malay-Dangdut Music Artists Association) and also ARDI (Indonesian Dangdut Royalty Award), I urge LMKN and also the LMKs, to temporarily make distributions based on, should refer first to the old law," said Rhoma Irama.

He also assessed that the implementation of the new system without thorough socialization has the potential to create confusion among music industry players. This situation is considered to further complicate the distribution process of royalties for songwriters and musicians.

"Unfortunately, LMKN and these LMKs have not conducted in-depth socialization. Furthermore, the implementation of the system in this relatively short time should refer back to Article 28 of Law Number 28 of 2014 before we switch to the new system," said Rhoma.

Not only Rhoma, but senior dangdut singer Ikke Nurjanah, who also serves as the Chair of ARDI, expressed similar concerns. She highlighted the lack of transparency from LMKN regarding royalty management.

"The issue of transparency is also a note; we have not received that transparency. We want to think positively, maybe they will inform us, but it's already 2025 and there has been no explanation at all, and we have never been invited to participate in discussions," emphasized Ikke.

Ikke also mentioned the unclear royalty distribution scheme. He stated that his side requested LMKN to open the data on usage or proxies that serve as the basis for royalty distribution.

"Then there is the distribution scheme pattern and so on. We also asked LMKN to disclose the contents of the proxies or usage data. Because the current language is that royalties can be taken or claimed with the condition of using the proxies or usage data version of LMKN that is currently available," he said.

Furthermore, Ikke detailed three main points of concern for his side, namely transparency, socialization, and access to usage data. He considers these three aspects very important to ensure fairness for the members.

"According to us, first, we did not receive transparency. Second, we did not receive socialization regarding the scheme. Third, we tried to invite dialogue, but what happened was only one-sided communication. Our letters asking questions were only answered with responses from LMKN's version, without addressing our requests for discussion with LMKN," explained Ikke.

He added that this issue directly impacts accountability to the members. Moreover, the royalty figures received are considered to lack clarity in their calculation basis.

"About three points: transparency, socialization, and then proxy data. These three things are our concerns because ultimately, we are the ones who have to be accountable to the members for why the figure of 25 million appears for the royalties of dangdut singers and musicians. This is our concern and many other issues felt by our fellow LMK friends," he said.

In the midst of the controversy, Rhoma Irama also showed his concern for the affected musicians. He is known to have donated a personal fund of Rp 100 million to help the members of ARDI and RAI, especially ahead of the Idul Fitri holiday.