In the creative industry, people often talk about copyright.
However, many still overlook another key concept behind every work they see or hear: related rights.
Agung Damarsasongko, Director of Copyright and Industrial Design, emphasized the need to look beyond copyright alone.
He went on to explain the role of related rights in more detail. These rights, he said, are essential in protecting key players in the industry.
They cover performers, phonogram producers, and broadcasting institutions.
All of them fall under the protection of Indonesia’s Copyright Law No. 28 of 2014.
He clarified that related rights refer to exclusive rights granted to three main parties: performers, phonogram producers, and broadcasters.
At the same time, he noted that while a work may have copyright, it does not always generate related rights automatically.
In principle, related rights arise from the existence of a copyrighted work.
However, they only come into play when the work is performed, recorded, or broadcast.
For example, a songwriter holds copyright over a song.
Yet, related rights emerge only when someone performs or records that song.
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The Pillars of Rights
Furthermore, Agung outlined how these rights function through three main pillars.
First, performers (such as singers, musicians, dancers, and actors) gain related rights when they present a work.
Even if a singer does not own the song, they still hold exclusive rights over their performance.
Therefore, if someone records and uses that performance for commercial purposes without permission, it can be considered a violation.
Second, phonogram producers, such as record labels, also hold related rights.
When a label records a song professionally, it owns the rights to the master recording.
As a result, the issue does not end with the songwriter’s permission.
Even if that approval has already been secured, it is still not enough.
When someone uses the original recording in a film or advertisement without the label’s consent, it remains a violation.
Third, broadcasting institutions, such as television and radio stations, hold rights over their transmissions.
When a station airs a program, it gains exclusive control over that broadcast.
Consequently, unauthorized re-streaming or redistribution on other platforms can lead to legal action.
Related rights play a crucial role in the industry.
Without these rights, the system would feel incomplete. Supporting players would stand on uncertain ground.
Performers, producers, and broadcasters would lose legal protection. T
heir investment, creativity, and effort in bringing a work to the public would no longer be fully secured.
Finally, Agung encouraged the public to understand these distinctions.
By doing so, people can appreciate not only the creators behind the scenes but also the talents who bring those works to life.
He also highlighted the need to build a healthier creative ecosystem.
One that recognizes every role involved in the process.
Because in the end, a work is not only about its creator.
It is also about the people who bring it to life and make it resonate with audiences.
