Kemenko PM Deems Amsal Sitepu Case as Criminalisation of Creative Workers
The Ministry of Coordinating for Community Empowerment (Kemenko PM) is paying special attention to the legal case ensnaring creative worker in the videography field, Amsal Christy Sitepu. This case is assessed as a serious threat to the sustainability of the creative economy ecosystem and the protection of the content creator profession in Indonesia.
Deputy for Coordinating Community Economic Empowerment at Kemenko PM, Leontinus Alpha Edison, described this matter as a loud alarm for the future of the creative industry. According to him, Amsal represents millions of visual talents now threatened by the legal system’s misunderstanding of the value of intellectual works.
“The corruption charges levelled against Mr Amsal, merely due to differing perceptions of professional service values, constitute a form of criminalisation that can extinguish the spirit of innovation at the grassroots level,” Leontinus stated in a written remark on Monday (30/3).
The main issue arises when administrative audits value crucial items such as concepts, editing, and dubbing at “zero rupiah”. Yet, the quality of that work has been acknowledged by the service users, in this case, the village heads.
Leontinus emphasised that post-production elements are the heart of added value in a creative product. Nullifying those service costs is seen as tantamount to not recognising the dignity of the creator profession itself.
Leontinus also clarified Amsal’s legal position as merely a professional service provider based on a transparent proposal. Thus, Amsal has no authority in determining state budget ceilings.
Kemenko PM warns that if rigid bureaucratic procedures continue to be enforced to assess aesthetic aspects, it will destroy public trust in government and creative community collaborations.
Leontinus also appreciated the leadership of Commission III of the DPR RI, Habiburokhman and Kawendra, who have given special attention to this matter. Legislative support is considered a moral force for creative economy activists to continue creating without fear.