KI DKI Says Universities Play Strategic Role in Guarding KIP Bylaw

Jakarta (ANTARA) - The Chairman of the Jakarta Information Commission (KI DKI), Harry Ara Hutabarat, stated that universities play a strategic role as agents of change in strengthening public information disclosure (KIP), including overseeing the creation of a KIP bylaw in Jakarta. To date, DKI Jakarta does not yet have a KIP bylaw that can serve as a foundation for reinforcing the implementation of public information disclosure in the region. “So far, not many academics have actively pushed for the formation of this bylaw,” Harry said in a statement in Jakarta on Tuesday. He believes that campus involvement will bolster public support for the regulatory drafting effort. Additionally, he encouraged students to understand and master Law Number 14 of 2008 on Public Information Disclosure as a foundation for safeguarding transparent and accountable governance.

Acting Dean of the Faculty of Law at UPN Veteran Jakarta, Beniharmoni Hareva, stated that the KIP Law is an important instrument guaranteeing the public’s right to obtain information. According to him, amidst the rapid flow of digital information, citizens need adequate literacy skills to distinguish between true and misleading information, including various narratives containing hate speech.

Meanwhile, human rights activist Albertus Patty emphasised that public information disclosure plays a crucial role in preventing human rights violations. He argued that without public information disclosure, the potential for human rights violations increases because the public lacks adequate access to monitor decision-making processes, budget usage, and the actions of state officials. “Without public information disclosure, public oversight becomes weak. This condition can open the door to torture, corruption, discrimination, and abuse of authority,” he said. Albertus added that access to information is a vital instrument to ensure government accountability while protecting citizens’ rights.