Copyright Bill Revision to Recognize Journalistic Works, Commercial Use to Require Royalties

Indonesia's Minister of Law, Supratman Andi Agtas, has proposed including journalistic works as protected copyright objects in the ongoing revision of the Copyright Law. Under the proposal, anyone using journalistic content for commercial purposes would be required to obtain permission from the copyright holder and pay royalties.

The measure is intended to strengthen legal protection for news content, which has frequently been used without authorization for commercial gain.

"Siapa pun yang memakai karya jurnalistik tersebut dengan tujuan komersil, itu wajib untuk mendapatkan izin dari pemegang haknya," tegas Supratman dalam acara Pasti Ada Solusi di Jakarta, Jumat (26/6/2026).

According to Supratman, the proposed regulation is expected to reduce copyright infringement, particularly the unauthorized commercial use of news content. He also called for public support to ensure journalistic works are formally protected under the revised Copyright Law.

The urgency of the revision is reflected in a case involving television editor-in-chief Abdul Gafur, whose journalistic content was allegedly used without permission for commercial purposes. The case is currently under police investigation.

The Minister of Law affirmed that the government is prepared to support the legal process by providing expert witnesses if needed during the investigation and court proceedings.

"Saya berharap RUU Hak Cipta nantinya bisa mengakomodir apabila sudah disahkan," tambah Supratman.

The Copyright Bill, an initiative proposed by Indonesia's House of Representatives (DPR RI) in March 2026, is currently undergoing harmonization with the government. The legislation is targeted for completion and enactment this year.

At the same time, the Press Council continues to gather input from media stakeholders to help refine the bill.

Press Council Chairman Komaruddin Hidayat emphasized that revising the Copyright Law is essential to provide stronger protection for journalistic works amid the rapid growth of digital platforms and artificial intelligence (AI).