Badung, Bali (ANTARA) – Law Minister Supratman Andi Agtas stated that copyright protection plays an important role in sustaining the journalism profession in the digital era and amid the development of artificial intelligence (AI).
“The digital use of journalistic works must be accompanied by respect for applicable rights, adequate transparency, and a fair opportunity to receive royalties,” Agtas said here on Saturday.
He made this statement at the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Forum on the Protection of Journalistic Works in the Copyright Regime in the Digital Era in Badung District, Bali, on Saturday.
He said journalism that meets professional standards depends on expertise, editorial independence, sustained investment, and a supportive environment so journalists can keep producing accurate and trustworthy reporting.
Agtas stressed that copyright protection is not aimed at restricting the free flow of information, but at building a digital ecosystem that supports professional, independent, and responsible journalism.
According to him, AI development underscores the need for clear governance in the use of journalistic works. Technological innovation can create new opportunities, but its use must still take into account applicable rights, clarity of responsibility, and recognition of human contribution.
“Technology and copyright protection must continue to go hand in hand, maintaining a balance between innovation, legal certainty, and the public interest,” he said.
Agtas expressed hope that media companies, journalists, and other stakeholders in Indonesia will build a shared commitment to draw up copyright regulation for journalistic works. The effort is needed to strengthen protection and media’s bargaining position against various digital platforms.
He argued that copyright protection must ultimately benefit those who produce works, including journalists who contribute to providing information to the public.
Journalists deserve recognition and protection for their work, while the public must continue to have access to diverse and trustworthy information, he added.
He said he believes the forum could be a step toward strengthening shared understanding, encouraging cross-country cooperation, and ensuring that digital development goes hand in hand with the sustainability of journalism.
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Translator: Agatha, Kenzu
Editor: Azis Kurmala
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