The Transformation of the Music Industry in the AI Era: Between Innovation and Threat
The rapid development of artificial intelligence (AI) has disrupted various sectors, including the global and Indonesian music industries. This technology is now capable of creating complete musical works, from arrangements and melodies to vocals that closely resemble human voices, all within minutes.
From 2024 to the estimated timeframe of July 2025, we have witnessed increasingly sophisticated AI capabilities. Platforms like ACE Studio allow for voice cloning with a high degree of accuracy, while music generators like Suno can produce complete songs with lyrics based on just a few text instructions. This phenomenon certainly brings efficiency and innovation, but it also triggers serious concerns among artists.
Why is this important? The increasingly capable AI means we will hear more and more machine-generated music, challenging our perception of originality and raising crucial questions about supporting art created purely by humans.
The Dilemma of Creativity and Dependency: The Voice of Anang Hermansyah and the Industry
Musician and producer Anang Hermansyah is one voice highlighting the impact of AI. He expressed his concern about the potential for excessive dependence on AI, which he fears could diminish musicians’ creativity and skills. The line between human-created works and AI becomes increasingly blurred, raising fundamental questions about copyright ownership and royalties in this digital age.
Anang urges the Indonesian government to immediately formulate clear regulations regarding the use of AI in the creative industry. He cites the example of the United States, which has begun developing regulatory frameworks, even tools to distinguish AI-generated music from human-made music. Without firm regulations, Anang fears that Indonesia risks becoming an “AI garbage dump,” where artificial works flood the market without adequate ethical control and proper protection for artists.
Why is this important? Without clear regulations, the local musicians you love could be undermined by AI content without clear compensation or recognition. It also means you might find it difficult to distinguish between the original works of your favorite artists and those generated by algorithms, potentially diminishing the experience and appreciation of musical art.
Local Context: The Real Impact of AI for the Musician Community and the National Creative Economy
[LOCAL CONTEXT: For audiences in big cities like Jakarta, Surabaya, or Makassar (often nicknamed ‘oto’ for car), and the entire community of 700, the impact of AI in the music industry is very noticeable across various levels of society. For example, for *indie musicians and composers in creative communities* in Braga (Bandung) or Blok M (Jakarta), the presence of AI that can create melodies or lyrics instantly can threaten the authenticity and sales value of their works, which have always relied on personal touch and uniqueness. Many regional musicians who perform *regional songs with modern arrangements* or *contemporary ethnic music* rely on originality and “feeling” that is difficult for AI to imitate. If the market is flooded with cheap or free AI music, their competitiveness will be eroded.
In addition, *UMKM actors in the creative economy sector* such as small recording studios, local music event organizers, and band merchandise sellers will also feel the impact. The lack of added value to original human works can reduce demand for their services and products, threatening their livelihoods in various creative economic centers throughout Indonesia. For example, in cities rich in *musical heritage* such as Yogyakarta or Bali, protection of original musical expressions becomes crucial so that it is not eroded by AI replication without soul. Strong regulations are a guarantee that cultural values and local creativity remain valued and protected.]
The Future of Music: Smart Collaboration, Firm Regulations
The development of AI offers great opportunities for creative exploration, but also demands that we redefine the value of art and human creation. Forecasts up to July 2025 show that the global discussion continues to shift towards how AI can be an ethical collaboration tool, not just a substitute. Some developed countries are beginning to see the need for a legal framework that allows for clear attribution, fair licensing, and transparent royalty sharing mechanisms for works involving AI.
For Indonesia, clear and firm rules are essential not only to differentiate but also to provide more value to original human-created works. This is a crucial step to protect intellectual property rights, maintain the sustainability of the national creative industry ecosystem, and ensure that AI innovation goes hand in hand with ethics and justice.
Why is this important? The right regulations will ensure that you continue to have access to authentic, high-quality music, support local artists sustainably, and that the Indonesian music industry remains a space for irreplaceable human creativity and expression.
