To Avoid Confusion, Ahmad Dhani is Ready to Clarify the Rules Regarding Song Permissions in Commercial Events

Kapanlagi.com - Musician and member of Commission X of the Indonesian House of Representatives, Ahmad Dhani, revealed plans to revise several provisions in the Copyright Law. This revision is being conducted together with musician Melly Goeslaw, who is the initial initiator of this initiative. The main focus of the revision is to clarify sentences that are considered ambiguous to prevent future polemics.

Ahmad Dhani explained that this revision was prompted by a legal issue between Agnez Mo and songwriter Ari Bias. This case is seen as an example of how provisions in the Copyright Law are still confusing, especially regarding song usage permissions.

"Of course, the initiation for the revision of the Copyright Law has already been made. The initiator is Melly Goeslaw, and we will oversee it together," said Ahmad Dhani when met in the Fatmawati area, South Jakarta, on Monday (17/2/2025).

According to Dhani, there are several parts of the Copyright Law that require further clarification. One of the highlighted points is the sentence regarding the prohibition for songwriters to forbid the use of their works.

"We will correct it so that the sentences in the law are not ambiguous and do not lead to future polemics. We will clarify the definitive sentences, and this will begin during the month of Ramadan," he explained.

1. There Are Still Misunderstandings

Ahmad Dhani emphasized that the issue between Agnez Mo and Ari Bias actually stems from permission. In this case, Agnez was found guilty of performing the song Bilang Saja at a concert without asking for permission from its creator, Ari Bias.

According to Dhani, the regulations regarding permission in the Copyright Law need to be explained in more detail, especially for singers performing at commercial events. "This is especially for singers, because the public already understands about asking for permission," he said.

He added that professional singers must understand the importance of asking for permission before performing a song at a commercial event. He believes that there is still a misunderstanding regarding this regulation.

One of the sentences in the copyright regulation highlighted by Ahmad Dhani is the sentence "Song Creators Are Prohibited from Prohibiting". According to him, this sentence has become a source of confusion and is often misinterpreted.

"There is a sentence I don’t know in the law or ministerial decree, it states that song creators are prohibited from prohibiting," said Dhani.

Dhani explained that the meaning of this sentence likely relates to the use of songs in public places, such as cafes or hotels. However, in practice, this sentence is often considered applicable to performances at commercial concerts.

"For example, if a cafe band wants to use my song, I cannot prohibit it. Perhaps the intention of the law is like that, so I cannot prohibit all hotels and cafes from playing my song," he clarified.

According to Dhani, this sentence should be clarified so that it does not apply generally. He emphasized that song creators still have the right to limit the use of their works, especially in professional and commercial events.

"Perhaps later in the law it can be clarified that this prohibition can be enforced for professional performances," said Dhani.

2. Dhani's Explanation on Copyright

Furthermore, Ahmad Dhani emphasized that copyright is an exclusive right that belongs to the creator. Therefore, permission must be requested directly from the songwriter, not just from the singer or the event organizer.

"Copyright is inherent to the creator, so the prohibition is fine as long as it is done for commercial purposes. Well, many singers might not understand that," Dhani stated.

Ahmad Dhani assured that the revision of the Copyright Law will start to be monitored in this year's Ramadan. He, along with Melly Goeslaw and the AKSI management, will collaborate to draft detailed proposals for changes.

This revision is expected to be a solution to various problems arising from the current unclear regulations. Ahmad Dhani hopes that with clearer wording, all parties in the music industry can better understand their obligations and rights.

"We want this revision to clarify the existing rules, so that there will be no more confusion or problems in the future," Dhani concluded.

(kpl/far/phi)