Tompi Says the Music Royalty System in Indonesia Has Never Been Good, Mentions Neglect

Kapanlagi.com - The issue of music royalties is once again a hot topic among artists and music lovers in the country. Singer and doctor, Tompi, mentions that the chaos surrounding royalties is not a new issue, but rather an old problem that seems to have been neglected. He also shares his views on the current situation.

"Actually, it has never been good from the beginning. It's just that, well, there is a kind of neglect, yes. Neglect indeed. Neglect wrapped in the spirit as if it is in favor of the welfare of musicians, songwriters, or performers, you know. But fundamentally, we see neglect," Tompi stated when met in the Senayan area on Sunday (24/8/2025).

Access the article about Tompi at Liputan6.com.

1. Not Operating Transparently

© KapanLagi.com/Muhammad Akrom Sukarya

According to him, the system used by the Collective Management Institution (LMK) to collect and distribute royalties has not been operating transparently. The singer of "Menghujam Jantungku" feels that the basis for the calculations and the method of distribution have never been clearly explained.

"The system used by LMK to collect is unclear," he continued.

"They can't show the correct numbers, you know. What's the basis, how do they distribute it? Well, I think that's what has made people, yes, in the last few months, become frustrated in the end. And ultimately, it also impacts the public, you know," he explained.

2. See a Glimmer of Hope

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Nevertheless, Tompi sees a glimmer of hope from the steps taken by the government and legislators. He welcomes the initiative from the DPR that has begun to speak out and show good faith to address this issue.

"But, thank God we see that the DPR has spoken out, there is already a clear intention of where it wants to go. And as far as I know, a formulation team has also been formed that involves musicians, songwriters, and others to formulate how this royalty should be handled," he said.

3. Mention Indra Lesmana's Idea

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On the same occasion, Tompi also mentioned an idea that was once put forward by senior musician, Indra Lesmana. He feels that this idea could serve as a very good reference for building a more modern royalty system.

"If you pay attention to what Mas Indra Lesmana posted a few days ago, I think it could be a good reference. How, in this day and age with technology, all processes should be digitized," said Tompi.

4. Royalty Issues Experienced by Almost All Musicians

© KapanLagi.com/Budy Santoso

Tompi also recounted that what Ari Lasso experienced regarding royalties is actually felt by almost all musicians. According to him, this is clear evidence that something is wrong with the system that has been in place all this time.

"Yes, I think, learning from Ari Lasso's case, it happens to everyone. How he, on his stage, he sings, he pays for the quotes too, but what he receives, just look at the numbers. It happens to everyone," said Tompi.

5. The Struggle to Improve the Royalty System

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The struggle to improve the royalty system has apparently been ongoing for a long time, alongside his late friend, Glenn Fredly. However, their efforts in the past have not yielded significant results.

"Yes, I remember very well with Glenn, we even flew together to Singapore to meet one of the high-ranking officials who was handling royalty issues at that time. And we came back with the same old story, no changes at all," he said.

6. Hoping for Immediate Improvement

© KapanLagi.com/Budy Santoso

With the newly formed drafting team, Tompi hopes that the royalty system in Indonesia can be improved soon. He wants the system to be fairer, more transparent, and truly beneficial for those in the music industry.

"Yes, the hope is that the system will be resolved. A humane system, resolved, with clear calculations. It should be fair, right?" Tompi concluded.

7. Q&A

Q: What is the main problem with the music royalty system in Indonesia according to Tompi?
A: According to Tompi, the music royalty system in Indonesia has never been fine since the past and seems to have been neglected, with the main issue being the transparency of management and distribution of royalties.

Q: What are Tompi's hopes for improving the music royalty system in Indonesia?
A: Tompi hopes that the royalty system can be completely reformed to be fairer and more transparent, especially with the initiative from the DPR involving musicians in the revision of the Copyright Law.

Q: Who else is involved in the struggle for royalty improvement alongside Tompi?
A: Tompi has been fighting for the improvement of the royalty system for a long time, including with his late friend Glenn Fredly, and this issue is also felt by many other musicians like Ari Lasso.

(kpl/far/dyn)