Ari Bias Says Agnez Mo Case is a Momentum for Improvement in Indonesian Music

Kapanlagi.com - The copyright plaintiff against Agnez Mo, Ari Bias, asserts that his legal action is a form of struggle to obtain rights that have long been neglected. Ari also hopes that this case can become a moment for improvement in the Indonesian music ecosystem, especially regarding royalty payments and licensing responsibilities.

“I reported to LMKN. I visited their office in 2023/2024. I asked whether the concerts at those three locations had obtained permission, and according to LMKN, they had not. Finally, I requested permission to use my legal rights to pursue this myself, and LMKN granted it,” said Ari Bias when contacted by the media on Sunday (9/2/2025).

Ari explained that before bringing this case to the legal realm, he had consulted with several related institutions, including the Collective Management Institution (LMK) that oversees him, namely KCI. He ensured there was no permission before deciding to file a lawsuit.

“According to KCI, I had to ask WAMI first, and eventually, I went to LMKN. From there, I confirmed that there was no permission for that concert,” Ari clarified.

1. Often Misunderstood

In his view, misunderstandings often occur regarding who is responsible for paying royalties. He mentioned that this responsibility should lie with the singer, not the event organizer.

“The Copyright Law is clear. Article 23 paragraph 5 even states that it can be done without permission as long as payment is made. The one responsible is the performer, not the event organizer. Article 1 Paragraph 6 also explains that the performer is the person or group presenting the creation, not the event organizer,” Ari asserted.

Ari also revealed that some singers have been fulfilling their obligations well. One of them is Kris Dayanti, who through her management has paid royalties for several concerts.

“For example, Kris Dayanti's management has already paid for her concerts in Kuala Lumpur and Indonesia. I am also flexible. If someone requests negotiation or is in promotion, I waive the fees,” he stated.

2. Consider It Not Damaging the Relationship Between Singers and Songwriters

In response to several musicians who believe this case could damage the relationship between singers and songwriters, Ari actually holds the opposite view. He believes this step is a form of legal certainty that brings positive effects.

“They should support it because it has been clearly decided by the court that copyright infringement has occurred. This is a good precedent to improve the existing system to make it fairer and more transparent,” said Ari.

According to Ari, singers should be the ones to handle the licensing because the process is easier and more transparent compared to involving event organizers (EO).

“Logically, it is also easier if the license is held by the singer. If it goes through the EO, they may not necessarily know the song and its creator. With this system, everything will be clearer,” he explained.

He hopes this case will be a turning point for creating a fairer system in the music industry. “This is a moment of great change. This system must be better, fairer, and more transparent for all parties,” he concluded.

(kpl/aal/phi)