Software piracy in Indonesia

As any visitor to Bali can tell you, computer software is sold here like hot dogs are sold in New York. Piracy of CD’s DVD’s and computer software ROM’s is rampant, with bars and restaurants advertising ‘live screenings of the latest movies to come out. According to a Microsoft representative in Indonesia, this costs the country billions of dollars each year. I’m not sure about that, if the stuff wasn’t available at a low price people just wouldn’t buy it at all. You think an Indonesian can chuck down $700 for Photoshop, AutoCad etc.

The real problem for the foreign companies who make the original material, is that westerners visiting Indonesia but their stuff here instead of at home and that may have an impact long term.

Irwan Tirtariyadi of Microsoft Indonesia, said ” ‘I’ve heard when police come to a shop (selling pirated software) it is closed. Basically information is leaking and this is an indication of the quality of law enforcement in action,” He’s totally correct. Local cops will go around to DVD stores and ask for money. If they get it they will tell the owner when the next
police raid will be, so the shop can close. I know one shop that had to close because he couldn’t afford the ‘fees’ and got busted. I’m not saying I use pirated stuff and I’m not saying I don’t. Today I bought 4 DVD’s for 30,000rp. You figure it out.