DOI: https://doi.org/10.14710/lr.v22i2.81002

Legal Reform and the Effectiveness of Protection for Traditional Cultural Expressions: A Case Study of Gambang Semarang

1Faculty of Law, Universitas Diponegoro, Indonesia

2Faculty of Law, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Malaysia

Open Access Copyright 2026 LAW REFORM under http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0.

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Abstract
Legal protection for Traditional Cultural Expressions (TCEs) in Indonesia, particularly the Gambang Semarang performance, remains inadequate despite formal recognition under Article 38 of Law No. 28 of 2014 on Copyright. The core gap lies in the absence of a sui generis protection regime and the ambiguous formulation of Article 38, which fails to specify ownership, benefit-sharing, or registration mechanisms for communal cultural expressions. This reflects a broader difficulty in harmonizing cultural heritage preservation with intellectual property law. This study evaluates current legislation and proposes reforms to strengthen the legal and policy framework safeguarding TCEs as part of Indonesia's intangible cultural heritage and collective identity, ensuring fair acknowledgment and sustainable community stewardship. Using an empirical juridical method combined with conceptual and statutory approaches, data were gathered through observation, interviews, and documentation, drawing on primary and secondary legal sources. Findings reveal that the lack of implementing regulations and limited institutional capacity at the provincial and regency levels have impeded effective protection of Gambang Semarang. The study concludes that regional regulations in Central Java and Semarang are essential for legal certainty in the inventory, recognition, and benefit-sharing of traditional performances. It recommends the formulation of a sui generis protection model supported by contractual mechanisms and active local government involvement.
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Keywords: Traditional Cultural Expressions; Gambang Semarang; Legal Protection; Intangible Cultural Heritage; Law Reform; Intellectual Property Rights

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Section: Research Article
Language : EN
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