entertainment

Melly Goeslaw Has Been Found Guilty In The Case Against Agnez Mo And Is Required To Pay A Fine Of IDR 1.5 Billion

Agnez Mo has been sued by songwriter Ari Bias for alleged copyright infringement. In a ruling issued by the Central Jakarta Commercial Court on January 30, 2025, Agnez Mo was found to have violated copyright laws by performing the song "Bilang Saja," created by Ari Bias, without obtaining permission. Agnez has also been ordered to pay a compensation of IDR 1.5 billion to Ari Bias. She performed the song during concerts held in three cities: Surabaya, Bandung, and Jakarta, in May 2023. 

Musician Melly Goeslaw has also commented on the controversy between Agnez Mo and Ari Bias. After 29 years as a songwriter, Melly expressed her surprise at encountering such a situation. She clarified that it is the event organizers who are responsible for paying royalties, not the performers.  

"I am puzzled by a friend's account regarding the case of a songwriter suing a singer for performing their song. After being a songwriter for 29 years, this is the first time I have heard of such an incident. According to the law, every organizer is required to pay royalties to the songwriter for the songs performed at their events. Therefore, it is the promoter or event organizer who should pay, not the singer," Melly Goeslaw stated, as quoted on February 5, 2025. 

Furthermore, Melly questioned the judge's decision to rule in favor of Ari Bias and to declare Agnez Mo in violation. She noted that witnesses had already indicated that the responsibility for payment lies with the organizers, not the performers. "Given this situation, and the recent ruling in favor of the songwriter, I would like to ask the judge how it is possible to win this case when, to my knowledge, all witnesses have stated that the payment obligation falls on the organizers, not the singers," Melly wrote. 

Tag: Agnez Mo Melly Goeslaw