Songs Allegedly Violated Copyright, Here's Rhoma Irama's Explanation

This issue began in 2007. Initially, Sandi Record, a record company from Banyuwangi, East Java, requested permission to re-record 20 songs by Rhoma Irama with various conditions, of course. 

“The requirements, first of all, do not sing songs that Rhoma Irama has sung, I do not allow them to be re-recorded, only songs composed by Rhoma Irama and sung by women are allowed. Second, they should not be distorted with koplo or anything else, because if the arrangement, beat, is changed, it will be very damaging, then talking about the price and so on,” said Rhoma Irama when met at Soneta Record, Depok, West Java, Thursday (22/4). 

After that, an agreement was made between both parties for the 20 songs at a price of Rp 7,500,000 per song. "At that time there were 20 songs, so the total was 150 million. I signed and the song, what it is, I have to know and the song must be sung by one singer for one recording. If it is re-recorded, it's called a cover and there will be an additional charge, especially if it is uploaded to YouTube, there must be synchronization permission and compensation, that's roughly the chronology," said Rhoma Irama.

The problem then arose when Sandi Record used 40 Rhoma Irama songs without permission and the payments were flowing into Yanti Mala's account, who claimed to have received verbal authorization from Rhoma Irama regarding the licensing of his songs. Yanti admitted that the money was used for her personal interests.

"Yanti admitted that I was represented by Yanti, make a transaction with Yanti representing Sandi Record's party up to 375 million, which caused this case," said Rhoma Irama.

"At that time, because I was close to him (Rhoma Irama), that's why they (Sandi Record) came to me. It was in 2011 and used for personal expenses. I apologize to Mr. Haji Rhoma, I received and used the money. I can't say anything else. I apologize," said Yanti Mala.

Rhoma Irama then sued Sandi Record in the Surabaya District Court. However, Rhoma Irama's lawsuit was rejected because according to the Panel of Judges, Sandi Record had already paid all the licensing fees for the song.

Ridho Rhoma's father, along with his lawyer Iwan Ameeroeddien, continue to pursue this case and will file an appeal. Because until now, there has been no good faith from Sandi Record to apologize for this copyright infringement.

"As legal counsel, our legal efforts are not directly appealed to the cassation, we give time since two weeks to read the verdict, which falls on the 26th (April). From Sandi Record's side, they came nicely to Mr. Haji. His intention is not chasing the issue of funds, this is a pursuit of violation of actions," concluded Iwan Ameeroeddien.