Many business owners in Indonesia enjoy playing music to create a welcoming atmosphere for their customers. Whether it is a café, a spa, a retail shop, or a fitness center, background music can enhance the mood and make the space more appealing. However, what many do not realize is that music is considered intellectual property and is protected by copyright law. When songs are played in a public or commercial setting, the rights of the creators are involved, which means it is not as simple as turning on a personal playlist.
Copyright law gives songwriters, performers, and producers the right to earn income from the use of their work. This includes background music in commercial spaces. Purchasing a CD or subscribing to a streaming platform does not automatically grant the right to play that music for public or business purposes. Those purchases are meant for personal enjoyment only. To legally use music in a business, a license is required, which ensures that the creators are compensated for their contribution.
The requirement to pay royalties is not just about legal compliance. It is also about respect for the creative industry. Musicians and composers invest time, skill, and resources into producing music that people enjoy. By paying royalties, businesses acknowledge the value of these contributions while also protecting themselves from legal disputes. Ignoring this responsibility can result in fines or reputational risks that could harm the image of a brand.
Awareness of this issue is growing in Indonesia, especially as discussions around royalty collection have become more prominent. For businesses, understanding these rules is essential to operate responsibly and sustainably. Playing music legally not only creates a pleasant environment for customers but also shows support for the local and global creative community. In the long run, compliance strengthens both the business and the music industry.
Source: TOA Indonesia. (n.d.). No copyright issues: TOA Indonesia’s solution for public space audio. According to Indonesia’s Copyright Law No. 28 of 2014, any public performance of music must be officially licensed and royalties must be paid to copyright holders. | Nugroho, A. (2025, August 7). Playing nature sounds in public also requires royalties in Indonesia. Bali Expat. Discusses how even ambient or natural recorded sounds in cafés and restaurants are subject to royalty regulations and current blanket license system. | Jakarta Post. (2025, August 12). Businesses urge small firm, ambience exemptions in royalty charges. Reports how associations representing cafés, restaurants, hotels, and malls are calling for clarity and fair treatment of ambience-only music under Indonesian copyright regulations.