Indonesian Parliament Push to Amend Book System Law Over Low Author Fees

4 days ago 8

October 11, 2025 | 02:45 pm

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Commission XIII Chair of the Indonesian House of Representatives (DPR) Willy Aditya pointed out that the low honorarium for book authors and the tax burden on the publishing industry have become issues in the national literacy ecosystem. He urged that these issues be discussed in amending Law Number 3 of 2017 concerning the book system.

According to WIlly, revising these rules is crucial to strengthening the national literacy ecosystem. Therefore, Willy, a NasDem Party legislator, is pushing hard for the revision of the Book System Law.

He highlights several issues in the book ecosystem, including low author fees, high distribution costs, and the tax burden on the publishing industry. "Pramoedya is one of the top authors, but he only received 15 percent, while others receive an average of seven percent. Compare that with authors in the West. Take Harry Potter author J.K. Rowling, for example. She's incredibly wealthy. In Indonesia, 50-60 percent goes towards distribution," said Willy in his written statement on Friday, October 10, 2025.

According to Willy, one of the fundamental weaknesses of Law Number 3 of 2017 is the distinction between school textbooks and general books. This results in subsidies being allocated only to textbooks, while general books receive less attention.

"So, general books do not receive the attention they deserve. In this context, all books are learning materials, all books are a source of knowledge," said Willy.

Furthermore, according to Willy, the tax burden is increasing. It starts with an 11 percent value-added tax (VAT) on books and import taxes and goes up to a 22 percent tax on paper. "The craziest part of this process is the tax on paper. Paper is taxed at 22 percent."

He stated that the revision of the Book System Law will focus on subsidy schemes, affirmative action, paper policies, author fees, and more efficient distribution. However, he emphasized Indonesia's long and illustrious history of literacy.

"This is a great nation. Central Sumatra was already exporting books in the early 20th century. Even the small city of Padang Panjang had eight publishers. Buya Hamka made a living from writing," Willy explained.

He mentioned that although the revision of Law Number 3 of 2017 is included in the 2026 National Legislative Priority Program, he aims to establish the Book System Law Bill as an initiative of the DPR before the end of 2025.

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