At over 270 million people, Indonesia’s population size is nearly four times that of the UK and around 60m short of the US.
Of those 270m people, around 196m were reportedly connected to the internet in 2019, an increase of 14.6% compared to 2018.
In spite of the country’s rising internet penetration and arrival of Spotify in the market in 2016, according to IFPI statistics, Indonesia was still only the 33rd largest recorded music market globally in 2019, generating $48.2 million in the year – up 9.4% YoY.
The country’s role in the global music market could all be about to change, however, following today’s news that Sony Music Publishing has launched in Indonesia (SMPI).
[Correction: An earlier version of this article, via a Sony press release, suggested this is the first time that an international/major publishing company has established itself in Indonesia. However, Universal Music Publishing Group and Warner Chappell have both run offices in Indonesia for some time.]
According to a release, the autonomous SMPI, headed up by General Manager Anti Ariandini, will be “dedicated to the development and promotion of Indonesian songwriters both locally and around the world”.
The release added that SMPI will also work closely with Sony Music Entertainment Indonesia (SMEI) and other music publishers and associations “to foster international networks and partnerships for Indonesian composers and songwriters, as well as develop new, creative projects that bring together international and Indonesian repertoire for both local and global appeal”.
Ariandini, who brings over a decade of experience to the role, with expertise in both music and e-commerce, will focus on expanding the new company’s creative and commercial opportunities in the Indonesia market.
She began her career as Publishing Country Manager at Universal Music in 1997 and then EMI Music Indonesia in 2004, where she worked until it closed in 2008.
She then shifted to the technology sector, where she spent nearly four years at Huawei Indonesia and Baidu Technology as Country Manager.
In 2015, she founded Indonesia e-commerce association, idEA, after which she joined the Indonesia Fintech Association as General Secretary in 2019.
“We are delighted to launch in Indonesia.”
Guy Henderson, Sony Music Publishing
“We are delighted to launch in Indonesia,” said Guy Henderson, President, International, Sony Music Publishing.
“As the first international publishing company to establish itself in the country, we look forward to developing the careers of Indonesian songwriters, including domestically, across Asia and around the world.
“We also look forward to the many opportunities that this exciting and interesting market can create for our global roster of songwriters.”
“Having a dedicated international and independent publishing company established in the country for the first time that can work with a wide range of record companies, music publishers and associations, is a huge win for Indonesian songwriters and composers.”
Carol Ng, Sony Music Publishing
Carol Ng, Regional Managing Director, Asia, Sony Music Publishing, said: “With the expansion of Indonesia’s digital markets, having a dedicated international and independent publishing company established in the country for the first time that can work with a wide range of record companies, music publishers and associations, is a huge win for Indonesian songwriters and composers.”
“This is an exciting development to have Sony Music Publishing established in Indonesia for our artists and songwriters.”
Ariel Fung, Sony Music Entertainment South East Asia
Ariel Fung, EVP, Sony Music Entertainment South East Asia, added: “This is an exciting development to have Sony Music Publishing established in Indonesia for our artists and songwriters.
“With the fast-paced growth of Indonesian repertoire, more and more songwriters are looking for a stand-alone music publishing company, with high value global networks and expertise.”
“I’m excited about the upcoming projects and initiatives we will be announcing in the coming months.”
Anti Ariandini
Ariandini said: “SMPI will bring together the best of both worlds from SMP and SMEI.
“Combining their expertise and reach enables us to provide a fantastic new offering for Indonesian songwriters and composers, including potential collaborations and co-writing projects.
“I’m excited about the upcoming projects and initiatives we will be announcing in the coming months.”
The launch of Sony Music Publishing Indonesia follows Sony Music Publishing’s rebrand from its former name of Sony/ATV last month.Music Business Worldwide
