House Legislative Body to Regulate Journalistic Works in Copyright Bill

The Legislative Body (Baleg) of the House of Representatives (DPR) has opened the possibility of regulating royalties for journalistic works in the derivative rules of the Copyright Bill, which is currently being drafted. Deputy Chairman of the DPR’s Baleg, Martin Manurung, admitted to having received the proposal from the Press Council. However, in practice, Martin stated that the rules on royalties for journalistic works will be stipulated in a ministerial regulation. “Oh, the technicalities will be in the ministerial regulation later. The main point is we are opening the door that journalistic works also have copyright,” Martin said at the parliamentary complex on Monday (13/7). According to Martin, the discourse on royalties for journalistic works will, in principle, regulate that every journalistic product quoted must include the media source. This provision is a response to developments in the digital world and artificial intelligence (AI). “So, when we want to quote journalistic works, they must actually attach that reference. So, attaching a reference means no copy-pasting, so to speak,” he said. Martin mentioned that the Copyright Bill is currently with the DPR leadership. His side is just waiting for a direct assignment to discuss it together with the government. “We are still waiting for an assignment from the BAMUS. Whether it will be assigned to the legislative body to discuss it with the government,” he said.