Fariz RM Undergoes Further Police Questioning Over Song Copyright Report

Senior musician Fariz RM underwent further questioning on Tuesday (23/6) at Polda Metro Jaya regarding his report of an alleged copyright violation of the song ‘Di Antara Kata’, which he claims was performed without permission by singer Syahravi. Accompanied by his legal counsel Deolipa Yumara, Fariz stated that the results of the examination and the collected evidence have increasingly strengthened the suspicion of copyright infringement in the case. He expressed confidence that the criminal elements of his report have been substantiated. “After reviewing both our BAP (official police report) as the complainant and the reported party’s BAP, along with the existing evidence, I underline that chronologically, the events leading up to our report clearly prove a violation. Seriously,” Fariz said at Polda Metro Jaya, South Jakarta. He emphasised that the evidence held by the complainant and the statements from the reported party have demonstrated the publication of the work in question. Fariz also assessed that the chronology of events and several prior warnings delivered to the reported party are crucial parts of the evidence, noting that the reported party ignored these warnings. “The proof is factually and convincingly clear through the chronological dates of this incident. The warnings and notifications we made before the violation were ignored by the reported party. So, chronologically, it is proven and meets the requirements for this case to be escalated in a case conference and for its status to be upgraded,” he stated. When asked about the value of the losses incurred, Fariz was not yet willing to specify the nominal amount. “Regarding the total loss, I will follow the provisions of the Criminal Procedure Code (KUHAP),” he said. Concerning the possibility of a peaceful resolution, Fariz affirmed he will follow the ongoing legal process as directed by investigators. Fariz explained that his legal action is also taken on behalf of PT Difa Kreasi Gemilang, a company now owned by his children and which holds the copyright to his works. “My action is taken because I represent PT Difa Kreasi Gemilang, whose owners are now my children. PT Difa Kreasi Gemilang is the absolute holder of Fariz RM’s copyright assets,” said the uncle of female singer Sherina Munaf. Meanwhile, Deolipa stated that the additional examination is part of the process leading to an escalation of the case status from inquiry to investigation. “So, earlier we accompanied Bang Fariz for a follow-up examination, a supplementary BAP. It consisted of only about 10 questions, but all were significant from the investigator. This is to upgrade the status from inquiry to investigation,” Deolipa said. According to Deolipa, several elements of the alleged violation in the case handled by the Special Criminal Investigation Directorate of Polda Metro Jaya are beginning to be fulfilled. “This case is progressing well within the Special Criminal Investigation unit of Polda Metro, and it appears the elements are indeed pointing towards being met. Who the suspect will be, who else was involved, will become clear later. But from this BAP, there will be a case conference for a possible status upgrade,” he said.