On Friday, July 31, 2026, Indonesia's Directorate General of Intellectual Property, or DJKI, confirm... On Friday, July 31, 2026, Indonesia's Directorate General of Intellectual Property, or DJKI, confirmed that copyright registration for songs and music will become free starting Saturday, August 1. The new policy sets the registration fee at zero rupiah and is part of the government's effort to make intellectual-property protection easier to access while improving the country's music royalty system.
Previously, registering a song or musical work cost Rp200,000. The government is removing that fee so that cost is no longer a reason for creators to delay registering their work. DJKI hopes the change will encourage more songwriters, musicians, producers, and rights holders to formally record their works.
The policy is closely connected to the development of Indonesia's national Song and Music Data Center, known as PDLM. DJKI estimates that Indonesia has around 7 million song and music works, yet only about 26,000 are currently registered in the national database. That huge gap can make it harder to identify who owns a particular work and can create difficulties when royalties need to be distributed.
A larger and more accurate database is expected to give the government and the music industry a clearer record of creators, copyright owners, and economic rights holders. DJKI also plans to integrate the data with the National Collective Management Institution, or LMKN, to support more accurate royalty administration.
DJKI Director General Hermansyah Siregar said the zero-fee policy is about more than removing an administrative charge. The government sees it as an investment in building a stronger national music database. The more works that are properly registered, the stronger the foundation becomes for protecting copyright and managing royalties in a transparent and accountable way.
Registration will be handled electronically through the Automatic Copyright Registration Approval system, known as POP HC. The system is designed to make the process faster and more accessible, including for independent musicians and creators outside major cities.
At the same time, DJKI is improving several features related to neighboring rights within its copyright service system. The upgrades include more detailed categories for musical instruments, improved information on rights-related registration documents, and additional classifications for performers so the system better reflects how the music industry actually works.
DJKI has set August 14, 2026, as the latest target for completing those service improvements. The agency is also continuing to consult singers, musicians, recording producers, and other rights holders so that the system can be launched in a way that is practical and legally reliable.
For songwriters and musicians, the new policy removes a significant financial barrier to registration. But free registration does not mean creators can ignore the accuracy of the information they submit. Details about authorship and ownership remain important because the registration is directly connected to both moral rights and economic rights.See More
Indonesia Makes Song And Music Copyright Registration Free Starting August 1
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Indonesia Makes Song And Music Copyright Registration Free Starting August 1 (Image: Negeri Konoha)
On Friday, July 31, 2026, Indonesia's Directorate General of Intellectual Property, or DJKI, confirm... See More
