Keenan Nasution Pursues Copyright Lawsuit Against Late Vidi Aldiano: A Look at Legal Precedents
The estate of Vidi Aldiano remains embroiled in a legal dispute over copyright to the song “Nuansa Bening,” initiated by musician Keenan Nasution. Despite Aldiano’s passing on March 7, 2026, Nasution is continuing the civil lawsuit, seeking Rp28.4 billion (approximately $1.86 million USD) in damages. This case has sparked public debate, with many questioning the ethics of pursuing legal action against a deceased individual.
The Legal Basis for Continuing the Lawsuit
According to Minola Sebayang, Keenan Nasution’s legal counsel, Indonesian civil law allows for the continuation of a lawsuit even after the defendant’s death. Unlike criminal cases, where charges are automatically dropped upon the defendant’s death, civil proceedings can be transferred to the deceased’s estate.
“The obligation to fulfill the requirements of the lawsuit falls upon the heirs,” Sebayang explained. This means that if Nasution wins the case, the financial responsibility will shift to Vidi Aldiano’s estate, and potentially his father, Harry Kiss, who is also named as a defendant in the suit.
The Core of the Dispute: Unpaid Royalties
The lawsuit centers around claims that Vidi Aldiano did not remit royalties to Keenan Nasution for the use of “Nuansa Bening.” Nasution alleges he never received compensation for the song’s usage. The legal team argues that pursuing the case is not about malice, but about securing the rights of a composer as protected by law.
Public Reaction and Ethical Considerations
The decision to continue the lawsuit has drawn criticism online, with many expressing sympathy for Aldiano’s family and questioning the sensitivity of pursuing financial claims against the estate of a recently deceased artist. Nasution’s legal team acknowledges the public’s reaction, stating they respect freedom of opinion but also want the public to understand Nasution’s perspective as a composer seeking rightful compensation.
The Kasasi Stage and Potential Outcomes
The case is currently at the Kasasi (Supreme Cassation) level in the Indonesian Mahkamah Agung (Supreme Court). This is the final stage of appeal in the Indonesian legal system. If the Supreme Court upholds the lower court’s decision in favor of Nasution, Aldiano’s estate will be legally obligated to pay the Rp28.4 billion.
This case highlights a critical aspect of intellectual property law: the enduring nature of copyright even after the death of the artist. It also underscores the importance of clear agreements regarding royalties and usage rights in the music industry.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Will Vidi Aldiano’s family be personally responsible for the debt?
A: The responsibility will fall upon Vidi Aldiano’s estate. His father, Harry Kiss, is also named as a defendant, and could potentially share in the financial obligation.
Q: Is it common for civil lawsuits to continue after a defendant’s death?
A: Yes, in Indonesian civil law, This proves permissible for a lawsuit to continue even after the defendant’s death, unlike criminal cases.
Q: What is the purpose of the Kasasi stage in the Indonesian legal system?
A: The Kasasi stage is the final appeal process in Indonesia, where the Supreme Court reviews the decisions of lower courts.
Q: What is the significance of this case for copyright law in Indonesia?
A: This case reinforces the principle that copyright remains valid even after the death of the copyright holder and highlights the importance of enforcing royalty agreements.
Did you realize? Indonesian copyright law protects the rights of composers and artists even after their death, ensuring their work continues to generate income for their heirs.
Pro Tip: Musicians and composers should always have clear, legally binding contracts outlining royalty payments and usage rights to avoid disputes.
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