Promoters, Not Performers, Responsible For Concert Royalties

Indonesia's long-running debate and uncertainty over who should pay live performance royalties has reached a more harmonious stage.

The Supreme Court's decision in Agnez Mo v Ari Bias and the issuance of Ministerial Regulation 27/2025 (MOL Reg 27/2025) together reshape the country's copyright landscape.

While the court exercised restraint by deciding the case on procedural rather than substantive grounds, the new regulation removes lingering doubt. In Indonesia, the responsibility for paying live performance royalties rests with concert organisers or venue owners, not performers.

Supreme Court resolves performer dispute on procedural grounds

The dispute in Agnez Mo v Ari Bias began when songwriter Arie Sapta Hernawan (known as Ari Bias) sued performer Agnes Monika (known as Agnez Mo) for performing his song Bilang Saja without permission at three concerts in 2023.