PSSI Secretary General Yunus Nusi emphasized that the national anthem, which is often sung during national team matches, should not be subject to royalty fees or special permits.
"These national anthems serve as a unifying force and a catalyst for nationalism, while also igniting a sense of patriotism among the nation's children when they sing them. At the GBK Stadium, with tens of thousands of supporters singing along, some were moved to goosebumps and even to tears. Those are the values they embody," Yunus said, as quoted in a written statement in Jakarta on Thursday.
According to him, the songwriters poured out their work in the midst of the nation's struggle to free itself from colonialism, without ever thinking about material gain.
"We're sure the composers never thought that they would have to pay for this song if it were ever sung. They created it sincerely, for the nation's children, without expecting anything in return," he said.
