Indonesia music licensing risks highlighted for advertisers and businesses

Legal experts and industry associations in Indonesia are highlighting the risks associated with using music for commercial purposes without proper authorization. Under Law Number 28 of 2014 concerning Copyright, the unauthorized use of songs in advertisements, social media, and digital promotional materials can lead to legal disputes for both brands and advertising agencies.

Experts note that a single song may involve multiple rights holders, including creators, record producers, and performers. Because advertising contracts often place the responsibility for licensing on the agency, companies are urged to strengthen music clearance processes before publishing content.

In the broader business sector, establishments such as hotels, restaurants, and retail stores must also ensure legal compliance when playing recorded music. This has led to the development of B2B platforms like 1LISENSI, which aims to provide a structured system for commercial music licensing. These services distinguish between personal streaming licenses and the specific permissions required for business environments, ensuring that rights holders receive economic benefits while businesses gain legal certainty.