Fikri Arigi, Jakarta – Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives (DPR) Commission X Reni Marlinawati, said that the music draft bill could not be dropped. According to her, there is a mechanism that must be followed, starting from a commission meeting submission of a report to the DPR speaker.

Reni claimed that she was unaware about the issue on the removal of the draft bill directly from legislator Anang Hermansyah. "Not yet, we have just known the issue from the running text. That [music draft bill] cannot be dropped simply, there is a mechanism," Reni told Tempo via phone call on Friday, March 8, 2019.

Earlier, legislator of the House Commission X Anang Hermansyah, stated that the decision do withdraw the music draft bill in the House Legislative Body (Baleg) was made following much recommendation and suggestion, and the planning of massive meeting initiated by music communities as well.

"As to generate a conducive situation among all stakeholders in Indonesian music ecosystem," said Anang in a statement received by Tempo on Thursday, March 7, 2019.

Hundreds of the country's musicians were against the music draft bill because of its articles that could hamper and curb their creativity. Among indie musicians who strongly rejected the draft bill are Mondo Gascaro, Danilla Riyadi, Agustinus Panji Mardika, Jason Ranti, and Cholil Mahmud.

According to the musicians, there are 19 problematic articles stipulated in the draft bill, starting from its editorial obscurity, the unclear subject or object that is being regulated, up to the fundamental issue on the freedom of expression in music, as well as musicians' competence tests and certifications.

Source: https://en.tempo.co/read/1183327/music-draft-bill-cannot-be-simply-dropped-house-commission-x