YOGYAKARTA, June 17, 2026 – The Indonesian Institute of the Arts (ISI) Yogyakarta, in collaboration with The James F. Sundah Foundation, has officially launched the James F. Sundah Fellowship Program. This research scholarship program focuses on the study of copyright, royalties, intellectual property rights (IPR), protection of creative works, creators' rights, and the development of intellectual property policy in the digital age. This program represents a strategic step in strengthening research culture while simultaneously increasing IPR awareness and literacy within Indonesia's arts education and creative industries.
The launch of the program is part of the 40-day commemoration of the passing of the legendary Indonesian composer and songwriter, James Freddy Sundah (1955–2026). Through The James F. Sundah Foundation, established in New York, USA, the legacy of James F. Sundah's thoughts, works, and efforts in advocating for creators' rights will be continued through various educational, research, and policy development programs. Through a Memorandum of Understanding signed by both institutions, this fellowship program will provide support to final-year students conducting research on strategic issues in copyright and intellectual property.
The presence of this program is considered important given the rapid development of digital technology, artificial intelligence, and the creative economy, which increasingly demand strong protection for the intellectual property of artists and cultural industry players. Besides involving ISI Yogyakarta, this program is also supported by AAPI Creative New York and several national figures from various fields who are part of the Selection Committee for the James F. Sundah Fellowship Program Research Scholarship, including Adi Harsono, Aminoto Kosin, Dahlan Iskan, Naratama Rukmananda, and Wendi Putranto. The presence of these figures is expected to strengthen the quality of research and the relevance of research findings for the development of Indonesia's art and creative industry ecosystem.
The founder and chairperson of The James F. Sundah Foundation, Priscillia Sundah Suntoso, affirmed that this program is part of the legacy entrusted by the late James F. Sundah to continue fighting for the appreciation of creators.
According to him, the principle that James F. Sundah has always held, which is “No Song, No Music Industry”, serving as a reminder that creators are the main foundation of the music industry and must receive proper protection and recognition for their works. Therefore, research and education are important instruments in strengthening public understanding of copyright and intellectual property.
The Rector of ISI Yogyakarta, Prof. Dr. Irwandi, M.Sn., welcomed the collaboration and considered this fellowship program in line with ISI Yogyakarta's commitment to developing art education that is responsive to contemporary challenges while also providing a tangible impact on society.
“ISI Yogyakarta welcomes and appreciates the cooperation and scholarship initiative from The James F. Sundah Foundation to support student research. This will strengthen the literacy needed by the art community and the wider public, especially regarding the intellectual property aspects of artists, which still require considerable study and education for art stakeholders,” said Irwandi.
Furthermore, Irwandi emphasized that strengthening copyright and intellectual property literacy is an urgent need in the development of contemporary art education. According to him, art universities are not only responsible for producing creative and innovative works, but also for building an ecosystem that can protect the intellectual, economic, and cultural values contained in each work.
“Amidst the digital transformation and the advancement of artificial intelligence technology, copyright protection has become a strategic issue that every artist must understand. Through this fellowship program, ISI Yogyakarta aims to encourage the creation of high-quality research that can contribute to policy development, strengthening the creative industry, and protecting the rights of creators in Indonesia,” he added.
This research scholarship program is also projected to be a breeding ground for academic recommendations that can be utilized by the art community, government, creative industry, and the wider public in strengthening the national copyright protection system. Through an art and culture-based research approach, research outcomes are expected to address various new challenges that emerge in intellectual property management in the digital economy era.
For ISI Yogyakarta, this collaboration also reinforces the role of higher art education as a center for knowledge development that not only focuses on creating works but also on the study and sustainable governance of art. Strengthening research in the fields of copyright and intellectual property is an important part of realizing a fair and competitive art ecosystem that can provide broad benefits for national cultural development. The first program, the James F. Sundah Fellowship Program, is planned to begin accepting applications in the 2026/2027 Academic Year. Through this initiative, the spirit of James F. Sundah's struggle in positioning creators as the main actors of the creative ecosystem is expected to live on and grow through new generations of researchers, artists, academics, and policymakers in Indonesia.
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