Melly Goeslaw, Indonesian Intellectual Property Rights Figure

JAKARTA, KOMPAS.com - President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono at the State Palace here Tuesday officially opened a National Convention on Intellectual Property Rights. The convention was organized by the ministry of law and human rights in observance of World Intellectual Property Day which falls on April 26.

The event was also attended by among others Chairman of the People’s Consultative Assembly (MPR) Taufik Kiemas, Supreme Court (MA) Chief Harifin A Tumpa, Attorney General Basrief Arief and a number of cabinet ministers.

April 26th is observed annually as World Intellectual Property Organisation Day (WIPO Day). This year the theme is: "Designing for Future" and coincides wit the half century of Indonesia’s first regulation on intellectual property rights, namely Law No. 21/1961 on Trade Brand.

During the event, the justice and human rights minister presented awards to several figures and institutions considered having significant contribution in promoting and protecting intellectual property rights in Indonesia.

Among the recipients are the late Wage Rudolf Supratman (composer of Indonesian national anthem: Indonesia Raya), the late Ismail Marzuki (composer of a number of monumental patriotic songs), Bimbo music group, and Taufik Ismail (noted poet and composer).

For young inventor awards are given to Fahma Waluya Rosmansyah and Hania Pracika Rospansyah for their achievement in creative industry in the field of information technology. Awards for academician helping promote intellectual property rights are presented to Prof. Dr. Tien R. Muchtadi MS, a dean of the Bogor Institute of Agriculture (IPB), and for inventor was given to Prof Dr Eng Roosseno Soerjohadikoesoemo.

Bustaman, owner of Sederhana restaurant chain, is awarded as a successful intellectual property rights holder, and the Sumedang District Head is presented with a certificate of Geographic Indication for Molle Sumedang tobacco.

For the media, the award recipients are respectively Bisnis Indonesia Daily as a print media which has played a significant role in promoting the intellectual property rights, and Trans TV for its program called "Investigation Reportage".

Senayan City is recognized as a shopping mall which is free from intellectual property rights violation, and Melly Goeslaw is named as an intellectual property rights figure for her achievement in composing more than 500 songs.