WAMI Clarification on Royalties and Ari Lasso's Demands, Affirming Regular Audits and Always Achieving WTP

Kapanlagi.com - Jakarta – Wahana Musik Indonesia (WAMI) provides clarification regarding the royalty polemic involving senior singer Ari Lasso. Wahana Musik Indonesia (WAMI) emphasizes that they always conduct financial and administrative audits regularly as part of their commitment to transparency and good governance. This assertion comes amid the controversy surrounding the royalty amount for singer Ari Lasso that had circulated in public.

This polemic arose after Ari Lasso uploaded evidence of royalty reporting from WAMI showing the amount of Rp 765,594. However, the name of the account holder listed was not his, but 'Mutholah Rizal'. WAMI's President Director, Adi Adrian, acknowledged a technical error in sending the report via email and explained that the amount was not the royalty received by Ari Lasso.

1. Annual Audit Conducted

KapanLagi.com/Mathias Purwanto

WAMI emphasizes that their financial statements are always audited and receive an Unqualified Opinion (WTP). Adi Adrian, the President Director of WAMI, also revealed that the annual audit is conducted by an independent, licensed, and registered Public Accounting Firm (KAP).

"We are audited regularly as stipulated in the legislation, as a manifestation of our commitment to maintain the trust of creators while ensuring a healthy climate for the Indonesian music industry," he stated in Jakarta on Thursday (14/8).

2. Audit Results Always WTP

The audit results of WAMI are said to always receive an Unqualified Opinion (WTP) from reputable auditors. From 2022 to the fiscal year 2024, WAMI appointed Forvis Mazars, one of the top 10 KAPs in Indonesia.

"This demonstrates that our financial management complies with applicable accounting standards and Copyright Law Number 28 of 2014," emphasized Adi.

Since audits have been conducted regularly, WAMI's financial statements have always received an Unqualified Opinion (WTP). This indicates financial management that is in accordance with accounting standards.

3. WAMI's Clarification Regarding Ari Lasso's Royalties

Instagram/ari_lasso

Nevertheless, WAMI does not turn a blind eye to the ongoing polemic. Adi acknowledged that there was a technical error in sending the royalty report to Ari Lasso via email. The mistake was corrected within less than 10 minutes after the initial report was sent.

"For sure, we have apologized and clarified the incorrect information," he explained.

The WAMI party claimed to have conveyed their apology and clarified the incorrect information. They are committed to strengthening their internal administrative system to prevent similar incidents from occurring.

4. The 700 Thousand Royalties Do Not Belong to Ari Lasso

The amount of Rp 765,594 that had circulated in the public, Adi continued, is not at all the royalty amount received by Ari Lasso. Adi Adrian explained that the amount of Rp 765,594 only covers the distribution period of July 2025. WAMI emphasized that the calculation and distribution of royalties to Ari Lasso have been done correctly.

"Once again, we clarify that it does not belong to Mr. Ari Lasso, and that amount is not the royalty he received. This has also been communicated to him along with a clarification letter and an apology," he added.

Adi emphasized that the incorrect report does not reflect the total royalties received by Ari Lasso in a full year. WAMI ensures that the process of calculating and distributing royalties is carried out in accordance with the applicable mechanisms and regulations.

5. WAMI's Routine Audit Always Achieves WTP Opinion

In response to the proposal for a follow-up audit from several parties, including the demand for an audit from Ari Lasso, WAMI stated that it is ready and does not object as long as the process complies with legal provisions.

"For WAMI, transparency is the key to building trust," said Adi.

Moving forward, WAMI will strengthen its internal administrative system, tighten data verification, and regulate the information distribution system. This step is expected to prevent similar incidents and provide the best services for all members, including renowned creators and singers.

6. QnA Related to the Controversy Between Ari Lasso and WAMI

What happened between WAMI and Ari Lasso? Ari Lasso expressed disappointment regarding the royalties he received, while WAMI clarified that the viral amount was not the royalty received.

How is WAMI's audit conducted? WAMI conducts routine financial audits by an independent Public Accounting Firm and always receives a WTP opinion.

What did WAMI do after the reporting error? WAMI issued an apology and committed to strengthening its internal administrative system to prevent similar incidents from reoccurring.

What is the Minister of Law's response to this issue? The Minister of Law supports WAMI's audit for transparency in music royalty distribution.

(kpl/pur/fbi)