Indonesia proposes ASEAN journalistic copyright consultation forum

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4 hours ago

Kabupaten Badung, Bali (ANTARA) – Law Minister Supratman Andi Agtas proposed establishing an ASEAN Press Council consultation forum to align copyright protection for journalistic works with digital regulatory developments.

“Through sustained dialogue, mutual trust, and concrete action, ASEAN can foster a digital environment that respects rights, supports responsible journalism, and serves the public interest,” Agtas said in Badung District, Bali, on Saturday.

He made the remarks while attending the ASEAN Forum on the Protection of Journalistic Works in the Copyright Regime in the Digital Era.

Agtas stated that ASEAN nations must build a shared understanding that protected journalistic works require safeguarding while balancing public interest, freedom of expression, and information access.

This shared understanding does not require member states to adopt identical legal frameworks, according to the minister.

Instead, regional alignment requires agreement on core protection principles, respect for rights, and interest balancing among journalists, media organizations, digital users, and the public.

Agtas emphasized that cross-border cooperation is crucial to enhancing the interconnectivity of regional copyright systems.

Effective linkage requires aligned information on rights holders, licensing mechanisms, usage records, and remuneration arrangements across borders.

Through information exchange, the identification of best practices, and technical cooperation, ASEAN nations are expected to reduce barriers to rights identification and facilitate the cross-border use of journalistic works while respecting each country’s national laws.

Agtas noted that the forum is expected to yield three concrete outcomes. First, a shared understanding at the ASEAN level regarding the importance of copyright protection for journalistic works.

Second, preliminary recommendations to strengthen cross-border cooperation and system interconnectivity, including through information exchange and the identification of best practices.

Third, a follow-up framework to encourage the transparent use of journalistic work and fair remuneration, thereby supporting the sustainability of the journalism profession and a healthy digital information ecosystem.

He hopes the forum’s outcomes will serve as a foundation for ongoing dialogue and practical, measurable technical cooperation, while respecting the national laws of each ASEAN member state.

“Indonesia believes that ASEAN has ample scope to strengthen cooperation in this area. We do not need identical rules to achieve our shared goals,” Agtas said.