Jakarta, Indonesia – A growing number of cafes and restaurants across Indonesia are opting too replace music with natural soundscapes, specifically recordings of birdsong, in a direct response to increasingly strict enforcement of music copyright royalties. The move, initially reported by DetikNews on August 4th, highlights a mounting tension between businesses and copyright collection societies.

The issue centers around royalty payments to organizations like the Indonesian Composer Association (Action), led by Piyu, guitarist of the band Padi Reborn, and the National Collective Management Institute (LMKN), currently chaired by Dharma Oratmangun. Businesses failing to secure licenses and pay royalties face potential fines and legal action.

“Don’t be afraid as it has been arranged from 2014. Wait for the decision,” stated piyu when questioned about the situation in Central Jakarta. This refers to Indonesian Government Regulation No.12 of 2014 concerning Copyright, which outlines the obligations of public performance venues.

Dharma Oratmangun initially downplayed the shift to birdsong, stating, “Yes, it’s good, it’s okay. There is no obligation to have to play music. But if they play music in it, they want Indonesian music or western songs or traditional songs are required to pay copyright there.” However,he clarified that even the use of recorded natural sounds isn’t entirely royalty-free.

“Now if he turns the sound of birds or any sound, there is the right of the phonogram producer. the manufacturer who records has related rights. the right to the recording material, is also the rights related to the form of audio recordings,” Oratmangun explained. This means the producers of the birdsong recordings themselves are entitled to copyright protection.

The LMKN, established in 2010, collects and distributes royalties on behalf of copyright holders. The current annual royalty fee for a small cafe (under 200 square meters) can range from IDR 1,500,000 to IDR 3,000,000 (approximately $95 – $190 USD), a significant cost for small businesses.

This situation reflects a broader global debate about fair compensation for artists and the challenges faced by businesses in navigating complex copyright laws. While the Indonesian government seeks to protect intellectual property rights, the practical implications are forcing some establishments to seek option, albeit quieter, forms of ambiance.