Highlight the Direct License Royalty Scheme, Armand Maulana: There Must be a Legal Basis

Kapanlagi.com - The controversy surrounding the music royalty scheme specifically for performing rights has resurfaced among Indonesian musicians. This time, GIGI's vocalist, Armand Maulana, has also spoken out about the direct license (DL) system that is currently being widely discussed.

The direct license scheme allows song creators and users to transact directly without going through intermediaries such as Collective Management Organizations (LMK) or the National Collective Management Organization (LMKN). This system gives song creators full control over their copyrights. However, the existence of this scheme has triggered various responses from music industry players, including Armand.

"When a new scheme is offered, just like in other areas of life, when something has been in place for a long time and suddenly a new scheme appears, there must be adjustments," said Armand when met in the Senayan area, Central Jakarta, Wednesday (26/3/2025).

1. To Avoid Confusion

According to Armand, the direct license scheme must have a strong legal basis to avoid confusion among music practitioners, especially singers who are at the forefront of delivering works.

"The problem is, this proposed scheme must have a legal basis. As far as I know, since the past until now, all stakeholders in the Indonesian music industry adhere to the Copyright Law of 2014," Armand explained.

Armand, who is also part of the Indonesian Sound Vibration (VISI) organization, emphasized that singers have the right to obtain legal clarity regarding this new scheme. This is important so that singers are not confused by the regulations applied, considering they are the ones who present the works to the public.

2. Legal Certainty

Armand Maulana © KapanLagi.com/Budy Santoso

"That's why, yesterday VISI, as a platform for singers, requested a judicial review to the Constitutional Court (MK). As I said, singers are the frontline who present the works. So it is reasonable for us to question this new scheme," he continued.

VISI wants there to be transparency and legal certainty regulating the relationship between song creators and singers in this direct license scheme. Without clear regulations, Armand is concerned that this polemic could disrupt the harmony between song creators and singers.

One point of concern for Armand is the licensing mechanism for performing songs. So far, the permission has been regulated through the existing LMK. However, Armand questions how this new scheme will regulate similar permissions without disrupting the existing system.

3. Hoping for a Quick Resolution

"What is being questioned is whether a singer must first obtain permission from the creator? Actually, it is no longer about asking for permission, because we already have permission through LMK. So it is not that we are singing a song without permission," he asserted.

Armand hopes this polemic can be resolved quickly by involving all relevant parties. According to him, it is important for singers and song creators to continue to work together in creating the best works for the Indonesian music industry.

(kpl/aal/tdr)