UNS — The Research Group (RG) Civil Law and Economic Development of the Faculty of Law (FH) Universitas Sebelas Maret (UNS) Surakarta held a community service program with the theme “Inventory of Communal Intellectual Property (KIK) in Sukoharjo Regency”. In the implementation of this activity, the RG Civil Law and Economic Development FH UNS collaborated with the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries of Sukoharjo Regency.
The event began with a discussion and Focus Group Discussion (FGD) held at the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries of Sukoharjo Regency, involving farmer groups, millennial farmers, and business actors on Monday (21/8/2023). The presentation was delivered by Dona Budi Kharisma, S.H., M.H. as a lecturer in the civil law at FH UNS.
Dona Budi Kharisma, S.H., M.H. explained that KIK is intellectual property with communal ownership and economic value, while still upholding the moral, social, and cultural values of the nation. KIK can include traditional knowledge, traditional cultural expressions, geographical indications, and genetic resources. Indonesia, with its cultural groups and abundant natural resources, holds significant potential for KIK.
However, unfortunately, existing KIK is often claimed by other countries. For example, the original Reog Dance from Ponorogo has been claimed by Malaysia, as have Wayang Kulit (shadow puppetry), Pendet Dance (traditional Balinese dance), and the song Rasa Sayange, also claimed by Malaysia. This situation indicates the limited role of the government in KIK protection. The lack of understanding and awareness among the public about intellectual property rights (IPR) is also a problem facing society today. Japanese patents on tempeh production have seriously impacted Indonesian society.
“Besides documenting and inventorying the various KIK potentials in Sukoharjo Regency, this activity also aims to increase public awareness, businesses, and local government regarding KIK, its functions, and the benefits of KIK protection for the local economy and the surrounding community,” Dona explained.
In his presentation, Dona stated that the purpose of KIK inventory is for defensive protection. This means strengthening Indoensian sovereignty and ownership proof of KIK. It also aims to protect the rights of indigenous communities, prevent unauthorized use of CIP, and prevent unfair profit sharing.
For instance, trademarks for Gayo and Toraja coffee have already been patented by Dutch and Japanese entrepreneurs, so Indonesian farmers cannot export these commodities under the names Gayo or Toraja. Gayo Coffee is a premium commodity from Gayo, Central Aceh, while Toraja coffee originates from Tana Toraja, Central Sulawesi. Both coffees are Indonesian KIK that should belong to the Indonesian nation.
Dona suggested synergy between the Central Government, particularly the Directorate of Intellectual Property, local governments, and local businesses to inventory the various KIK potentials in their regions. In Sukoharjo Regency, for example, the potential for the Jamu (traditional herbal medicine) industry, agricultural commodities, and diverse culinary traditions could be potential KIK that should be registered and protected.
HUMAS UNS
Reporter: Dwi Hastuti