Indonesia’s music creators are protesting a 2025 LMKN policy that shifted royalty collection powers from the Lembaga Manajemen Kolektif (LMK)—the body mandated by Law No. 28/2014—to the Lembaga Manajemen Kolektif Nasional (LMKN). The move has left hundreds of songwriters and musicians without royalties, with groups like Garputala and AKSI warning of an industry collapse if the policy isn’t reversed within two weeks.
Indonesia’s Music Creators Stage Rare Protest Over Royalties—What’s Next for the Industry?
Why Are Musicians and Songwriters Protesting in Jakarta?
Hundreds of Indonesian songwriters, musicians, and copyright holders staged a protest outside the Ministry of Law and Human Rights and the Lembaga Manajemen Kolektif Nasional (LMKN) headquarters in Jakarta on June 9, 2026. Their demand? The immediate revocation of LMKN’s Circular Letter No. SE.06.LMKN.VIII-2025, which transferred royalty collection authority from the Lembaga Manajemen Kolektif (LMK)—the body legally designated under Indonesia’s Copyright Law No. 28/2014—to LMKN.
According to Ali Akbar, coordinator of the Garda Publik Pencipta Lagu (Garputala) and a protest organizer, the circular has “crippled LMK’s operations,” leaving the organization without funding to distribute royalties. “The law clearly states LMK is the authorized body,” Akbar told reporters. “This isn’t just a policy change—it’s a violation of the law.”
Did you know? LMKN claims the shift was meant to streamline royalty collection and prevent overlaps—but critics argue it’s left creators in limbo. Enteng Tanamal, a 30-year veteran of LMK’s royalty management, called the move “reckless.” “We’re not talking about minor adjustments,” he said. “We’re talking about an entire system collapse.”
How Did We Get Here? The Legal and Financial Fallout
The conflict traces back to August 2025, when LMKN issued its circular, asserting sole authority over royalty collection from broadcasters, streaming platforms, and public venues. The move bypassed LMK, which had been managing royalties for decades under the 2014 law.
Protesters argue the change has created chaos. Ancha Syaiful Bachri, from the Transparansi Royalti Indonesia (TRI) group, said during a meeting with LMKN commissioners: “The lack of clarity in collections has left creators without income. Some haven’t received royalties for months.”
Comparison: Before the circular, LMK distributed IDR 1.2 trillion annually in royalties (per 2024 LMK reports). Since the shift, LMKN has not disclosed exact figures, but sources close to the industry estimate collections have dropped by 30–40% due to confusion over eligibility and distribution.
LMKN officials have defended the policy, stating it was designed to “modernize” royalty management. However, legal experts like Deolipa Yumara, a copyright lawyer present at the protest, warn the move could set a dangerous precedent. “If the government can unilaterally change who collects royalties, what’s stopping them from doing it again?” she asked.
What Happens Next? The Two-Week Ultimatum and Beyond
Protesters have given the government and LMKN a two-week deadline to respond. If no action is taken, they’ve vowed to escalate with larger demonstrations. Ali Akbar emphasized: “We’re not just asking for reversals—we’re demanding accountability. The current LMKN leadership must step down if they can’t restore trust.”
Industry insiders suggest three possible outcomes:
- Policy reversal: LMKN could reinstate LMK’s authority, though political resistance may delay this.
- Compromise: A hybrid system where both bodies share oversight, but this risks prolonging the crisis.
- Legal battle: Creators may file lawsuits against LMKN for violating the 2014 Copyright Law, setting a precedent for future disputes.
Pro Tip: This isn’t the first time royalty disputes have disrupted Indonesia’s creative industries. In 2020, similar protests erupted over delayed payments to composers during the pandemic. The government eventually intervened—but only after months of public pressure.
Why This Matters for Indonesia’s Creative Economy
Indonesia’s music and film industries contribute IDR 100 trillion annually to the economy (per Kementerian Kreatif dan Ekonomi Digital), with royalties funding everything from indie artists to major labels. If the current stalemate persists, experts warn of:
- Brain drain: Top composers and musicians may seek opportunities abroad where royalty systems are stable.
- Investor hesitation: Foreign studios and platforms may avoid Indonesia due to legal uncertainty.
- Cultural decline: Without fair compensation, original content production could slow, harming Indonesia’s global reputation as a creative hub.
This protest isn’t just about money—it’s about preserving Indonesia’s artistic legacy. As Enteng Tanamal put it: “We’re not just fighting for royalties. We’re fighting for the future of Indonesian music.”
FAQ: What You Need to Know About Indonesia’s Royalties Crisis
Q: Can LMKN legally collect royalties if LMK is the designated body?
No. According to Law No. 28/2014, LMK is the sole authorized entity for royalty collection. LMKN’s circular is seen as an overreach, though legal challenges could take months to resolve.
Looking Ahead: What’s the Long-Term Impact?
This protest could redefine Indonesia’s creative economy in three ways:
- Stronger legal safeguards: If creators win, future royalty policies may require parliamentary approval to prevent arbitrary changes.
- Transparency reforms: LMKN could face pressure to publish real-time royalty data, similar to systems in Germany and South Korea.
- A cultural shift: Younger artists may demand direct-to-fan models (like Patreon or Bandcamp) to bypass unreliable systems.
For now, the focus remains on the two-week deadline. But one thing is clear: Indonesia’s music industry won’t stay silent. As Deolipa Yumara warned, “If the government doesn’t act now, the cost will be far higher than any policy change.”
What do you think? Should LMKN reverse its policy, or is a new system needed? Share your thoughts in the comments—or explore how other countries manage royalties in our comparative analysis.
Stay updated on this story by subscribing to our newsletter for breaking industry insights.
Looking Ahead: What’s the Long-Term Impact?
This protest could redefine Indonesia’s creative economy in three ways:
- Stronger legal safeguards: If creators win, future royalty policies may require parliamentary approval to prevent arbitrary changes.
- Transparency reforms: LMKN could face pressure to publish real-time royalty data, similar to systems in Germany and South Korea.
- A cultural shift: Younger artists may demand direct-to-fan models (like Patreon or Bandcamp) to bypass unreliable systems.
For now, the focus remains on the two-week deadline. But one thing is clear: Indonesia’s music industry won’t stay silent. As Deolipa Yumara warned, “If the government doesn’t act now, the cost will be far higher than any policy change.”
What do you think? Should LMKN reverse its policy, or is a new system needed? Share your thoughts in the comments—or explore how other countries manage royalties in our comparative analysis.
Stay updated on this story by subscribing to our newsletter for breaking industry insights.
What do you think? Should LMKN reverse its policy, or is a new system needed? Share your thoughts in the comments—or explore how other countries manage royalties in our comparative analysis.
Stay updated on this story by subscribing to our newsletter for breaking industry insights.
