Rhoma Irama and Candra Darusman Discuss Licensing Cover Songs

Kapanlagi.com - Musicians Candra Darusman and dangdut king Rhoma Irama participated in a virtual discussion titled "Webinar Asosiasi Bela Hak Cipta" (Webinar of the Copyright Protection Association) on Friday (28/8/2020). In general, this discussion addressed the phenomenon of covering songs, which many people do and profit from.

Covering songs and profiting from them certainly have rules. This is in accordance with Law Number 28 of 2014 concerning Copyright. According to the Chairman of the Indonesian Musicians Federation, Candra Darusman, this phenomenon cannot only be seen from a legal perspective. It should also be viewed from various aspects such as creativity, technology, and others.

"Indeed, the phenomenon of utilizing uploaded songs is not only about legal aspects, but also about creativity, other technological aspects, and even surpassing legal aspects. With the development of technology, various aspects blend together. Our main 'enemy' is the lack of understanding in the world of art and technology. We have to provide gradual explanations," said Candra Darusman in the discussion "Webinar Asosiasi Bela Hak Cipta" (Webinar of the Copyright Protection Association), Friday (28/8/2020).

1. Socialization Needed

It is advisable to socialize about the applicable rules in order to do that. Moreover, not everyone understands the correct procedure. According to him, not everyone covers songs just to seek profit. But, some do it just for entertainment and personal enjoyment. Without intending to violate the rules because they have not asked for permission from the copyright owner.

"There are people who cover songs for fun, for family. We should not let what we convey kill creativity. For example, on YouTube, it is indeed a corporation that attracts international attention," he said.

"YouTube is highlighted in terms of how far its handling goes. YouTube is just a platform, people are allowed to upload. The debate is about how much responsibility YouTube has for those who upload," he added.

Nevertheless, Candra still supports law enforcement for those who are indeed wrong. "In my opinion, law enforcement is part of education. So if a teacher punishes a student in school, it's not because the teacher is sentimental, but because they want to provide a lesson," he said.

2. Rhoma Irama's Comments

Meanwhile, in the same occasion, singer Rhoma Irama stated that there needs to be a discussion regarding the effective implementation of copyright licensing regulations.

"Thank you to this institution, I think they should support this, with the condition that the public should not be afraid, it's crucial, if one song is performed, permission is required, this implementation is very difficult," said Rhoma Irama.

"For example, in a live concert, it's difficult to obtain permission. That's why this needs to be reviewed or something. Permission should be obtained before performing, this is difficult. How to implement it? But it will be difficult, that's why we need to delve into how to implement this permission," concluded Rhoma Irama.

(kpl/far/lou)