Tompi Officially Leaves WAMI, His Songs Are Now Royalty-Free!

Kapanlagi.com - A firm stance has been taken by singer Tompi regarding the music royalty controversy in Indonesia. Feeling that the existing system is not functioning properly, he has officially announced his departure from the Indonesian Music Wahana (WAMI). This decision was made as a form of protest against a system he considers non-transparent.

"Yes, I have said, I have sent a letter and everything, I have signed," said Tompi in the Senayan area, Sunday (24/8/2025).

With this decision, the plastic surgeon emphasizes that WAMI or other LMKs no longer have the right to collect royalties on his behalf. He explained that the agency could only act as a representative if he was still a member.

"The collecting agency collects on my behalf. If I have revoked, given them the right to collect in my name, it can’t be done anymore. So, they can collect, for example, if I say, 'You can use my song for free,' like that. But I am still their member. Yes, they can collect," he said.

1. Tompi Does Not Allow Institutions to Collect Royalties for His Songs

Tompi © KapanLagi.com/Budy Santoso

This step has clear legal consequences for the collecting agency if they continue to collect for his songs. Tompi considers such actions could fall into the category of fraud.

"But if I have run away, I have withdrawn from that, I do not allow him to collect in my name, if he collects then that is called fraud," he asserted.

When asked further about his reasons, Tompi elaborated on his principles regarding an ideal royalty system. For him, a system must be fair to all parties, both for musicians and for users of musical works such as event organizers.

"Look, I agree with the concept that royalties must be implemented correctly. But with one principle, it should not burden those who pay. That is the first principle," he explained.

In addition, he emphasized the importance of transparency and calculations based on real data in the field. According to him, royalties should be paid according to the frequency of a song being played, not based on assumptions.

"The second principle that must be upheld is that it should reflect the reality on the ground," he continued. "For example, if my song is played only three times a year, then just pay for those three times. That's it, don’t accept payment if it’s not played. Now, there are such things happening now."

2. Criticizing the Function of LMK

The 46-year-old singer also criticized the function of LMK, which sometimes shows bias between the collecting agency and social foundations. He argued that the roles of these two entities should be clearly distinguished.

"It's not clear how many times it turns, but still receives. If you want to help, create a foundation, not a collecting agency. So differentiate. Differentiate between mutual aid foundations and collecting foundations, with collecting agencies. Collecting agencies should work with what they have," he explained.

In the end, Tompi emphasized that he is not closing the door to rejoining LMK in the future. However, that will only happen if the existing system has been completely improved.

"The point is, if LMK is sorted out, the system is neat, and makes sense, then I will join again," he concluded.

Read other news about Tompi on Liputan6.com.

(kpl/far/phi)