Openness of information must align with personal data protection
Jakarta (ANTARA) - The Chairman of the DKI Jakarta Information Commission, Harry Ara Hutabarat, stated that openness of information must go hand in hand with the protection of personal data.
“Public information must indeed be disclosed, but there are boundaries that must be maintained, such as student data, health records, and other personal information,” said Harry in Jakarta on Tuesday.
He explained that all information is in principle accessible, except for that which is excluded, such as personal data.
“It must be strictly protected,” he said during a visit to SMAN 96 Jakarta as part of the evaluation of public information openness implementation through Electronic Monitoring and Evaluation (E-Monev) and to encourage improvement towards an informative rating.
Harry urged the school to instil the values of information openness from an early age in students, one way through literacy activities or competitions themed on public information openness in accordance with Law No. 14 of 2008.
According to him, if students understand it from the beginning, in the future they will not be averse to openness. “In fact, those who are averse are usually parties worried about transparency,” he said.
According to him, in public governance and public bodies, transparency always goes hand in hand with accountability. However, the Commission’s function focuses on ensuring openness, not on examination or audit aspects of budget accountability.
Harry also appreciated the achievements of SMAN 96 Jakarta, which has been assessed as being at the stage towards informative in the results of the Electronic Monitoring and Evaluation (E-Monev) of Public Information Openness.
He is optimistic that the school can soon rise to the informative category. “We see the score is at the tip towards informative. Just a little more to achieve the informative predicate. This requires commitment from leadership and consistency,” he said.
Harry also touched on the importance of public bodies’ readiness in facing increasing public awareness of the right to information.
According to him, if public bodies are not ready, the potential for information disputes will increase. “We are strengthening public bodies to be prepared. When the public understands how to request information, public bodies must also be ready to provide it,” he stated.
He emphasised the importance of the role of the Information and Documentation Management Officer (PPID) as well as the availability of the Public Information List (DIP) and the List of Excluded Information (DIK).
“The key is two, namely the Public Information List (DIP) and excluded information. If that is clear, the school will not be confused in serving information requests,” said Harry.
He also reminded the school to remain vigilant against parties who exploit information requests for other interests not in line with the spirit of openness.
“Not everyone requesting information is genuine. There are also those with other interests. Therefore, the mechanism must be clear through PPID,” he said.
“We are also continuously improving towards the informative predicate,” he added.