Religious Songs Resound in Malls and Restaurants During Ramadan; Ministry of Law Urges Royalty Compliance
REPUBLIKA.CO.ID, JAKARTA — The Ministry of Law and Human Rights has reminded that any public performance of songs for commercial purposes must respect the economic rights of the creators through royalty payments in accordance with the provisions of the law.
The Director of Copyright and Industrial Design at the Directorate General of Intellectual Property (DJKI) of the Ministry of Law and Human Rights, Agung Damarsasongko, affirmed that the use of religious songs in commercial areas has legal consequences.
“We urge business actors, from shopping centres and hotels to digital platforms, to ensure that the playing of religious songs is done in a way that respects the economic rights of the creators. This is a form of appreciation for the musicians who have created the works,” said Agung in a statement confirmed in Jakarta, Tuesday (24/2/2026).
As the holy month of Ramadan approaches, he said, religious songs are once again being played in various shopping centres, hotels, restaurants, and cafes as an accompaniment to people’s activities.
View this post on Instagram
Agung acknowledged that this annual phenomenon also contributes to the growth of religious music in Indonesia. The works of musicians such as Opick, Bimbo, and Maher Zain are often chosen to create a peaceful atmosphere in the lead-up to the breaking of the fast. He stated that the presence of religious music has become an integral part of the Ramadan tradition in commercial spaces.
He explained that, based on Law Number 28 of 2014 concerning Copyright and Government Regulation Number 56 of 2021 concerning the Management of Copyright Royalties for Songs and/or Music, any commercial use of songs in public services is categorised as a public performance, which requires royalty payments through the National Collective Management Agency (LMKN).
“This system is designed to make it easier for businesses because it uses a one-stop scheme, so users of music do not need to contact each creator separately,” he said.