A number of intercity and interprovincial bus drivers at Poris Plawad Terminal, Tangerang City, are complaining about the ban on playing music during trips that has been implemented by several bus companies.
This ban has emerged alongside increased oversight of the use of copyrighted songs in public spaces, including in public vehicles, for royalty purposes.
“Driving for hours is already tiring, and now we’re banned from playing music too. It becomes so quiet, and passengers also get bored,” said a 40-year-old bus driver on the Tangerang–Malang route.
The bus companies argue that this ban is in place to avoid legal claims from copyright management institutions, which claim that playing copyrighted music inside commercial buses falls under the category of public use, thus requiring royalty payments.
However, the drivers feel this policy is burdensome and does not sufficiently consider their comfort or that of the passengers.
Some drivers have even suggested that the government provide special permission or alternative solutions, such as royalty-free playlists or collaborations with local musicians.
“Actually, we don’t mind paying royalties as long as it’s reasonable, or give us options for free songs that are still pleasant to listen to,” the driver added.
The government, through the Ministry of Transportation and the Ministry of Law and Human Rights, is reportedly reviewing regulations to create a balance between copyright protection and the public’s right to reasonable entertainment.
