Jakarta – A plenary session at the House of Representatives on Tuesday passed the Copyright Law, which replaces a previous 2002 law.

Law and Human Rights Minister Amir Syamsuddin said that the new law stipulates the protection of copyrights, including the tenure of protection for inventions.

"The Copyright Law provides better protection for inventors or any holders of the rights, including limiting changes of rights holders through purchases," Amir said on Tuesday at the House.

The law also regulates possible criminal charges as well as dispute settlements through mediation and arbitration.

"The minister has the authority to eliminate a registered work or invention if it breaches religious and moral values, disturbs public order or is a threat to the country's defense and security," he said.

According to the law, he said inventors or rights holders should receive compensation or royalties for any commercial use of their creations.

Musician Sam Bimbo, who attended the meeting, said he welcomed the new law. "I am optimistic and have high hope that with the new Copyright Law, artists can get legal protection for their works," he said.

Source: http://www.thejakartapost.com/news/2014/09/17/house-passes-copyright-law.html