Since the Indonesian parliament (DPR) is by far the most trusted body in Indonesia (actually no, it's dead last), and it has been extremely efficient at law making (actually, it's never been this bad, passing only 6 out of a planned 52 laws in all of 2017), it is of course drafting an extremely important law, namely one governing music.
As expected, some of the articles in the law is drawing loud protests from the musical community. In particular 6 articles have been identified that dangerously limit expression, artistic independence, and are otherwise plain ridiculous.
For example, article 5 prohibits musicians from creating content that is deemed pornographic, provoke conflict between groups, blasphemous, carrying negative foreign influence, and lowering human dignity.
Infographic: Problematic articles within the planned law. Source: CNN Indonesia
This article is so broad, that musicians rightfully fear for their freedom of expression. It is also xenophobic to the point of silliness. Surya Fikri Asshidiq of The Panturas feels that this law will create problems rather than providing solutions. "These articles interfere with musician's creativity, something that should be free". A growing number of musicians are also protesting the law.
That is not the only article that stands out as problematic. Article 18 requires all musical performances to involve licensed promoters. Article 19 requires foreign musicians/musical performance to include local musicians as accompaniment.
Article 32 requires musicians to take competency exams.
Article 42 requires hotels, restaurants and other entertainment venues to play traditional music.
Article 50 prescribes jail sentences for article 5 violators.
Indonesia is clearly going down a path of restricting freedoms. It is also remains stubbornly xenophobic. Both are prescriptions for continuing poverty and stifled growth. I truly have misgivings about Indonesia's future. Regardless who wins the election this year, it is all but certain that Indonesia is going to regress and may loss decades of progress.
https://nasional.tempo.co/read/1171129/musisi-ruu-permusikan-membawa-kembali-ke-jaman-orde-lama
As expected, some of the articles in the law is drawing loud protests from the musical community. In particular 6 articles have been identified that dangerously limit expression, artistic independence, and are otherwise plain ridiculous.
For example, article 5 prohibits musicians from creating content that is deemed pornographic, provoke conflict between groups, blasphemous, carrying negative foreign influence, and lowering human dignity.
Infographic: Problematic articles within the planned law. Source: CNN Indonesia
This article is so broad, that musicians rightfully fear for their freedom of expression. It is also xenophobic to the point of silliness. Surya Fikri Asshidiq of The Panturas feels that this law will create problems rather than providing solutions. "These articles interfere with musician's creativity, something that should be free". A growing number of musicians are also protesting the law.
That is not the only article that stands out as problematic. Article 18 requires all musical performances to involve licensed promoters. Article 19 requires foreign musicians/musical performance to include local musicians as accompaniment.
Article 32 requires musicians to take competency exams.
Article 42 requires hotels, restaurants and other entertainment venues to play traditional music.
Article 50 prescribes jail sentences for article 5 violators.
Indonesia is clearly going down a path of restricting freedoms. It is also remains stubbornly xenophobic. Both are prescriptions for continuing poverty and stifled growth. I truly have misgivings about Indonesia's future. Regardless who wins the election this year, it is all but certain that Indonesia is going to regress and may loss decades of progress.
https://nasional.tempo.co/read/1171129/musisi-ruu-permusikan-membawa-kembali-ke-jaman-orde-lama