TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Indonesian Minister of Trade, Gita Wiryawan said that the issue of music piracy in Indonesia has been at an alarming stage. From the total public spending for music, only 10% (or less) was recorded and enjoyed by the musicians.

Gita said that every year, average Indonesians spend Rp 20,000 ($US 2) to enjoy music, either through CDs or other digital forms. He added that if it is multiplied with the total population of 245 million people, the total amount would reach Rp 4.9 trillion "From that figure, only 10% of it is recorded, so the rest is from the pirated forms," Gita said during a press conference on Friday.

Therefore, the minister urges Indonesian consumers not to buy pirated CDs or DVDs, especially those that of local musicians and artists, as it will ruin the entertainment industries that have high economic value and will also impoverish musicians and artists.

Gita further reminded public that the entertainment industries play an important role in the global economy today. "Indonesia has so many artists. Most of them are amazing ones. Indonesia can be one of the biggest global entertainment industry players. It has a high economic value. However, it won’t happen if Indonesian consumers continue to buy pirated CDs or DVDs," he stressed.

"We deeply appreciate the efforts made by the Ministry of Trade, such as this meeting," said Sam Bimbo, representing other artists and musicians who attended the event such as Ismi Aziz, Tompi, Hadad Alwi, Adi Adrian Kla Project, de Mocca Band, Aufar, Aries & Gopal (Heal Our Music), Ikang Fauzi, Dian HP, Cindy Rere, Indra Kadarsih, and Butet Kertarejasa.

PINGIT ARIA