The shortage of awareness about the importance of legal licensing of music in public spaces in Indonesia stems from a combination of limited public knowledge, weak enforcement, and cultural attitudes toward intellectual property rights. Many business owners are unaware of the Copyright Law (Law No. 28 of 2014), which mandates obtaining licenses for public music use. This gap is partly due to insufficient education and outreach programs highlighting the necessity and benefits of licensing. Music licensing is often seen as a complex or minor issue, which prevents it from becoming a priority for businesses. This lack of understanding perpetuates the illegal use of music, which undermines the creative industry and violates intellectual property rights.
Another significant factor is the inconsistent enforcement of copyright regulations in Indonesia. While laws exist to protect intellectual property, their implementation is often hindered by limited resources, weak monitoring mechanisms, and bureaucratic hurdles. Businesses may exploit this leniency, assuming that the risk of penalties is minimal. Furthermore, many small and medium-sized enterprises view licensing fees as an unnecessary expense, especially when operating on tight budgets. This perception is amplified by the availability of free or pirated music, which appears to be a more economical solution in the short term, despite its legal and ethical implications.
Cultural attitudes also play a role in this issue. In Indonesia, creative works such as music are sometimes perceived as communal resources rather than individual intellectual property. This perspective reduces the perceived urgency to comply with licensing requirements. Efforts to address this challenge must focus on educating the public about the value of licensed music and its contribution to supporting artists and the creative industry. According to Setiawan and Rahardjo (2021), improving public awareness through campaigns, simplifying licensing procedures, and enhancing enforcement can significantly increase compliance. Such initiatives not only protect intellectual property but also strengthen the music industry and create better business environments in Indonesia.
Source: Suyanto, B. (2020). Copyright issues in the Indonesian creative industry. Journal of Intellectual Property Studies, 12(3), 134-146. | Wijaya, M., & Santoso, H. (2019). Challenges in enforcing intellectual property rights in Indonesia. Asia-Pacific Law Review, 27(1), 55-68. | Setiawan, A., & Rahardjo, P. (2021). Strategies for increasing music licensing compliance in Indonesia. Indonesian Business Review, 18(2), 78-92.