The legal battle surrounding Vidi Aldiano’s hit song “Nuansa Bening” has taken a dramatic turn, even as the Indonesian music industry mourns the singer’s recent passing. Keenan Nasution, the original composer, has filed a lawsuit against Aldiano, alleging the song was performed 31 times without permission.
Nasution is seeking IDR 24.5 billion (approximately $1.5 million USD) in compensation, according to reports. The dispute centers on the use of “Nuansa Bening” in numerous performances without proper licensing or agreement. The case highlights the ongoing challenges of copyright enforcement in the rapidly evolving music landscape.
Initially, Nasution reportedly intended to seize Aldiano’s property as part of the legal proceedings, but has since deactivated his social media accounts amid a wave of online criticism. A flood of negative comments appeared on Nasution’s TikTok account following Aldiano’s death, with many users expressing outrage over the timing of the lawsuit and the composer’s actions.
The lawsuit claims that Aldiano performed the song on 31 occasions without obtaining the necessary rights from Nasution. The song, “Nuansa Bening,” remains a beloved ballad in Indonesia and the legal dispute has sparked a wider conversation about artist rights and fair compensation within the country’s entertainment industry.
Adding to the complexity, Ahmad Dhani, a prominent figure in Indonesian music, recently made comments regarding royalty payments that drew criticism. The timing of Dhani’s remarks, amidst the grief surrounding Aldiano’s death and the ongoing legal battle, further fueled public debate.
The case continues to unfold, and the outcome could set a precedent for copyright disputes involving popular songs and performances in Indonesia. The situation underscores the importance of clear licensing agreements and respect for intellectual property rights in the music industry.