Tompi on Music Royalties, Criticizing the System Not the Individuals

Kapanlagi.com - Singer Tompi has become one of the most vocal musicians expressing criticism of the music royalty system in Indonesia. Nevertheless, he emphasizes that his criticism is purely aimed at improving the existing system, not attacking individuals or personnel within the related institutions. According to him, the main focus is on rectifying a system that has long been considered non-transparent.

"Once again, we are not in a position to blame anyone. Everyone has worked hard, even the friends at LMK have also been working. It's just that the methods are not yet, not finished," said Tompi when met in Senayan, Sunday (24/8/2025).

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1. Musicians Are Often Misunderstood

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He feels that the screams of musicians have often been misinterpreted as personal attacks. In fact, the root of the problem is the imperfect system that needs to be dismantled.

"So actually what we are criticizing now, we are shouting, 'Wow, why are you like this, why like that,' it's the system. We don't care about the person. Yeah. My friends and I don't care, we have no personal issue," he said.

2. Regret the Offended Parties

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The singer of 'Sedari Dulu' regrets if there are parties who feel personally offended by his criticism. According to him, if someone feels that way, it is actually that person who has the problem, not the musicians who are voicing the truth.

"Then when we talk like this, someone gets offended. The problem is with that person. The person we are shouting about the system, if they are sitting there as part of the system, then please improve yourself," he said.

3. Never Attack Personal

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Tompi reiterated that he and his colleagues have never attacked anyone personally with inappropriate words. Their request is simple, which is for this chaotic system to be fixed immediately for the common good.

"We never insulted anyone, saying 'Stupid, fool,' right? We never said that. But the system is not right. Come on, fix it," he said.

4. Transparency is Key

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He believes that transparency is the key to all the problems that exist today. The lack of clarity in the calculation and distribution of royalties is the main source of concern for musicians.

"I think that's what happened. That's what we are criticizing. Once again, we are not shouting for the people involved. Because the people have worked hard, maybe, but the system is not right. Yes, the system is what we need to dismantle," said Tompi.

5. LMK Division Issues

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When asked if this means there is a division within LMK itself, Tompi admitted he did not know anything about it. He left the internal matters to the concerned parties.

"I don’t know. You should ask them," he replied briefly.

6. WAMI Exit Options

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Although he chose to leave WAMI, he remains open to the possibility of rejoining in the future. The only condition is that the existing system must be resolved, organized, and reasonable.

"But the point is, if LMK has been resolved, the system is organized and reasonable, then I will join again," he concluded.

7. All About Tompi

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Q: What is Tompi's focus of criticism regarding music royalties?

A: Tompi's focus of criticism is on the non-transparent and unaccountable music royalty system.

Q: Why did Tompi leave Wahana Musik Indonesia?

A: Tompi left WAMI as a form of protest against the unresolved royalty issues.

Q: What is Tompi's hope for the future music royalty system?

A: Tompi hopes for the digitization and regeneration of royalty managers for system improvement.

(kpl/aal/rsp)