Inp.polri.go.id - Jakarta.   The Ministry of Law has said that business owners playing music in commercial spaces, such as restaurants, cafés, gyms, hotels, and retail stores, must pay royalties, even if using services like Spotify or YouTube Premium.

“Personal subscriptions don’t cover public or commercial use. Music played in business premises is considered commercial use and requires a legal license,” said Agung Damarsasongko,the  Director of Copyright and Industrial Design at the ministry, on Tuesday (29/7/2025), as quoted by antaranews.com.

Royalties are collected through the National Collective Management Organization (LMKN), ensuring transparent distribution to songwriters and rights holders. 

Agung urged businesses to respect the ecosystem by licensing music legally rather than avoiding Indonesian music altogether, which could harm local artists. 

Businesses with limited budgets may use royalty-free or Creative Commons music, ambient sounds, or original compositions. Agung noted that small businesses may request fee reductions.

Failure to comply can lead to legal sanctions, though mediation is prioritized under Copyright Law.

(mg/inp/pr/rs)