The Economic Symphony of Creativity
Intellectual Property is a key aspect for economic development -- Craig Venter
Imagine the production of a blockbuster movie as a vibrant collaboration woven from the diverse talents of countless individuals. At the heart of this creative endeavor are the directors, actors, and scriptwriters, who are prominently visible. Yet, the complete picture includes many more professionals who are crucial though less visible, such as musicians who add emotional depth with their scores, designers who transport audiences to other worlds with stunning sets and costumes, and makeup artists who transform actors into believable characters.
Each participant, from the cameraman to the sound technician and the gaffer managing the lighting, plays an essential role in the storytelling. This industry covers a wide range of disciplines that together make creative visions a reality, with about 90% of jobs in movie-making being creatively inclined.
Indonesia's creative industries are not just repositories of culture; they are also significant economic drivers. Contributing approximately 7% to the national GDP, these industries highlight the potential for economic diversification and innovation. From the lush islands of Bali to the bustling streets of Bandung, creative outputs generate substantial employment, revitalizing local economies and beyond.
As Indonesia’s creative sectors flourish, ensuring that their output is legally protected remains a pressing issue. The collaborative effort that orchestrates creative works not only showcases the diversity and unity of the creative sectors but also highlights a critical vulnerability: the need for robust intellectual property (IP) protection.
The Echoes of Lost Property
A few years ago, a revealing incident unfolded that affected my understanding of intellectual property. A beloved local band faced a nightmare when they used an image without permission in their hit music video, sparking a public and painful dispute. Furthermore, their most popular song was covered by another artist whose version outshone the original on global platforms like YouTube. This situation was more than an artistic insult; it was a significant financial and emotional setback for the original creators, who saw their work and potential earnings escape.
Fortunately, the dispute with the photographer was resolved amicably, with both parties deciding to move past the incident, and the cover video on YouTube was subsequently removed by the artist.
Intrigued and curious by the complexities of the situation, I turned to a friend, Hang Dimas who is an expert in music licensing to gain a deeper understanding. He walked me through the various rights musicians must navigate—performance rights, mechanical rights, synchronization rights, and more. It was a labyrinth of information, quite confusing indeed. The complexity of music rights revealed just how challenging navigating this issue can be, especially for creatives who may not have the legal expertise to safeguard their work effectively.
The Intellectual Property Conundrum
This incident brings us face-to-face with the Achilles' heel of our creative aspirations: Intellectual Property (IP) rights. In Indonesia, like in many parts of the world, the protection and management of IP have not kept pace with digital disruptions. Copyright laws often remain vague, their enforcement inconsistent, and many creators find themselves disadvantaged by technological advancements and global complexities.
However, the digital age also introduces powerful tools that can redefine how we protect and profit from creativity. For instance, blockchain technology offers a way to register and track creative outputs with unprecedented clarity and security. Digital watermarking and fingerprinting are essential for tracking the distribution of digital media and ensuring that copyright owners can identify and claim their work across the internet.
Blockchain technology provides a transparent, immutable ledger for copyright registration and tracking. For filmmakers, musicians, and digital artists in Indonesia, this technology could ensure that every use of their work is documented in real time, making licensing transparent and straightforward. By automating royalty payments through smart contracts, creators can receive their dues immediately and transparently, reducing the potential for disputes and delays.
Digital watermarking embeds information into the media file itself, which is imperceptible to users but can be detected by software designed to identify copyrighted material. Similarly, fingerprinting allows for the detection of content that has been altered or pirated, ensuring that even if the work is modified, it remains recognizable as the intellectual property of the creator.
AI and machine learning play significant roles in monitoring and enforcing IP rights. These technologies can scour the internet to detect and flag unauthorized use of copyrighted materials, providing the creative industries in Indonesia with powerful tools to protect their work globally.
Empowering Stakeholders
As we envision a future where Indonesia’s creative industries reach their full potential, it’s crucial to recognize the collaborative efforts required from all stakeholders. Creators, industry associations, and the government each play unique and interconnected roles in nurturing an ecosystem where intellectual property rights are not only respected but vigorously protected.
Creators are at the heart of the creative industries. They must be proactive in understanding and exercising their IP rights, leveraging new technologies like blockchain for registration and smart contracts for royalties to take control of their work and ensure fair compensation.
Industry associations act as the collective voice of creators and businesses within the creative sectors. They focus on lobbying for stronger legislative protections and providing their members with the tools and knowledge needed to navigate the IP landscape. These associations can also facilitate access to technology solutions for their members, organize training sessions, and work closely with the government to shape policies that reflect the dynamic needs of the industry.
The government's role is multifaceted. It includes legislating modern and effective IP laws, enforcing those laws, and facilitating the technological infrastructure needed to support these endeavors. The government should also consider incentives that encourage investment in IP-centric technologies and create public awareness campaigns that highlight the importance of copyright protection. By collaborating with industry groups and international bodies, the government can ensure that Indonesia's IP laws meet global standards and adequately support the nation’s creative talents.
Moving Forward Together
At this crossroad, the future of Indonesia’s creative industries hangs in a delicate balance. Will we pave the way for a renaissance where creativity is not only birthed but also properly protected, or will we watch passively as our cultural and economic potential is unreachable by inadequate protections?
By embracing advanced technologies and fostering an environment of cooperation and respect for IP rights, Indonesia can create a robust framework that not only protects creators but also encourage them towards greater innovation and success. The future of the creative industries in Indonesia looks promising, with the potential to significantly contribute to the national economy and enhance the country's cultural heritage on a global stage.
Disclaimer: This article is written to raise awareness about the importance of the creative industries and the challenges related to intellectual property (IP) within them. I am not an expert in intellectual property law but a concerned enthusiast who believes in the potential of technology to support and grow the creative industries. The views expressed here are intended to stimulate discussion and encourage further exploration of these critical issues.
My creative gurus: Hang Dimas Piyapong Muenprasertdee Eka Rangga P
Reviewer: Melinda Natalia Wiria