LMKN addresses controversy over dangdut music royalties
Jakarta (ANTARA) - The National Collective Management Agency (LMKN) has explained the root of the controversy over the plunge in dangdut music royalties from billions of rupiah to around Rp25 million, as highlighted by singer Rhoma Irama.
In a statement confirmed in Jakarta on Saturday, LMKN Commissioner M. Noor Korompot emphasised that the issue is not solely about the decline in royalty value, but rather the rejection of distribution by the Collective Management Agency (LMK) Anugerah Royalti Dangdut Indonesia (ARDI).
According to Noor, this rejection is outlined in ARDI’s official letter numbered Spm/005/ARDI/XII/2025 dated 15 December 2025.
“ARDI has requested data validated by the relevant authorities as a reference for royalty distribution,” said Noor.
He added that ARDI has also agreed that the first-stage royalties for the January-June 2025 period, which were rejected, can be accumulated in the next distribution, provided there is valid data and a transparent and accountable scheme.
Additionally, ARDI has proposed adding data sources, such as dangdut bars or cafes, dangdut radio, and popular entertainment stages or events. This proposal is considered important because the dangdut music market is largely in those sectors.
On the other hand, LMKN has affirmed that royalty distribution has been carried out based on verified and validated work data, calculated using the Digital Information Song (DIS) system.
LMKN has also established the 2025 music royalty distribution formula through an official Decree.
In its response letter dated 16 December 2025, LMKN stated that it accepts ARDI’s rejection of the January-June 2025 distribution.
If the rejection continues, the royalty funds will be carried over to the next distribution while awaiting data improvements.
“This data is important to ensure that unidentified royalties can be verified and channelled appropriately,” explained Noor.
Noor added that LMKN plans to open dialogue with ARDI to discuss royalty governance constructively. Noor also mentioned that there will be an increase in dangdut royalty values in the upcoming distribution.
He also urged all parties to seek direct clarification from LMKN before making public statements.
“We want everything to proceed within the corridor of ethics and clear dialogue,” he concluded.
Meanwhile, LMKN has distributed song and music royalties for the January-June 2025 period in the non-logsheet category amounting to more than Rp2.3 billion to the Collective Management Agency (LMK) Royalti Anugrah Indonesia (RAI) on Thursday, 6 November 2025, in Jakarta.
The distribution was attended in person by Rhoma Irama as the founder of LMK RAI.
Previously, dangdut singer Rhoma Irama highlighted the drastic drop in royalty receipts from Anugerah Royalti Dangdut Indonesia (ARDI).
Rhoma revealed that the amount of royalties received had plummeted from previously reaching billions of rupiah to only around Rp25 million.
According to him, this raises questions about the royalty distribution mechanism, given that ARDI has around 300 members.