Central Information Commission highlights disputes filed without prior information requests
The Chairman of the Central Information Commission (KI Pusat), Handoko Agung Saputro, has highlighted that some members of the public still do not understand the mechanism for obtaining public information, including filing information disputes without first submitting an information request to a public body.
Speaking in Jakarta on Monday, Handoko stated that this situation demonstrates the need for enhanced education and public literacy regarding the right to public information and the procedures for accessing it.
“This merely underscores that the rights to public information, as well as the obligations of public bodies, are still not widely understood by the public,” he said.
Handoko made these remarks during a public discussion themed “Right to Know, Right to Access: Strengthening Information Transparency through Quality Archive Management,” organised by KI Pusat to commemorate World Right to Know Day in Jakarta on Monday.
According to Handoko, the public’s right to obtain information is a vital component of democratic life, as citizens require information to participate in and oversee the administration of the state.
“What is the meaning of democracy without the people’s sovereignty over information?” he asked.
He noted that the commemoration of World Right to Know Day should serve as a momentum to reaffirm the public’s right to information, rather than remaining merely a ceremonial event.
He added that the public needs easy access to information as part of the fulfilment of rights guaranteed through legislation.
Information provided by public bodies must also be usable by the community to maintain spaces for participation and to serve as a means of oversight regarding state administration.
“It is important for us to educate the public so that the access rights provided, or the information delivered by public bodies, are truly utilised for the interests guaranteed by law,” he said.
KI Pusat is also encouraging a paradigm shift in information transparency, moving from simply ensuring information is available to ensuring that information provides tangible benefits to the community.
Challenges to information transparency are evolving alongside advancements in digital technology, misinformation, disinformation, and artificial intelligence (AI). In this environment, public bodies are required to ensure that the information conveyed to the public is true, accurate, and accountable.
Furthermore, archive management is considered a foundation of information transparency, as well-managed archives allow information to be more easily found, traced, and verified.
World Right to Know Day is observed every 28 September. KI Pusat is an independent institution mandated by Law Number 14 of 2008 concerning Public Information Disclosure, which includes setting standards for public information services and resolving information disputes.