s a freelancer, content creator, designer, or creative agency, your ideas are your most valuable assets. From videos, photos, and music to logos, websites, and marketing content—your work deserves legal protection. Unfortunately, many creators in Indonesia are unaware of their rights or how to defend their creations against plagiarism or commercial misuse.
This guide will walk you through how to legally protect your creative work and digital assets in Indonesia, and why registering your copyright and intellectual property (IP) matters now more than ever.
What Is Considered “Creative Work”?
Under Law No. 28 of 2014 on Copyright, creative works include:
-
Illustrations, graphics, photography
-
Music, sound design, podcast audio
-
Videos, animations, films
-
Books, blogs, written content
-
Software, code, and apps
-
Website designs and UI
-
Logos, branding materials, taglines
-
Digital products (e.g., e-books, templates)
If it’s your original idea fixed in tangible or digital form—you own the copyright by default.
Copyright Protection in Indonesia: What You Need to Know
According to Indonesian law, copyright protection is automatic once a work is created and published. However, formal registration is strongly recommended to prove ownership and prevent disputes.
Benefits of Copyright Registration
How to Register Copyright in Indonesia
Registration is managed by the Directorate General of Intellectual Property (DJKI) under the Ministry of Law and Human Rights.
Step-by-Step Process
-
Prepare your file (PDF, JPG, MP3, etc.)
-
Prepare ID (KTP) or business documents (NPWP, NIB)
-
Submit through the DJKI online system
-
Pay the registration fee
-
Wait for certificate issuance (± 1–3 weeks)
✅ You can register as an individual or a business entity (for agencies or studios).
How to Protect Digital Assets Beyond Copyright
Some creative works go beyond copyright law and may also require:
Trademark Protection
Contracts & Licensing Agreements
Digital Watermarking & Metadata
Website Terms of Use
What If Someone Steals Your Work?
If someone uses your content without permission:
-
Send a Cease and Desist Letter (Somasi)
-
File a complaint with the platform (e.g., YouTube, Instagram, marketplace)
-
Initiate legal action through civil or criminal complaint (if needed)
With a copyright certificate, your legal position is much stronger.
At AUFAR & Co Law Office, we help creators, freelancers, and agencies:
-
Register copyright and trademark with DJKI
-
Draft content and licensing agreements
-
Protect digital IP from plagiarism and misuse
-
Respond to violations with legal enforcement
Whether you’re launching a brand, publishing a design, or licensing content—we help protect what you’ve worked hard to create.
