A key unlocking a map of Indonesia, symbolizing information access.

Decoding Indonesia's Information Law: Your Right to Know

Beau Callahan in Law & Justice June 2025 • 3 min read.

"A straightforward guide to understanding and utilizing Indonesia's Undang-Undang Nomor 14 Tahun 2008, empowering citizens through access to public information."

In an era defined by information, the ability to access and understand public data is paramount. Indonesia's Undang-Undang Nomor 14 Tahun 2008, concerning Keterbukaan Informasi Publik (Public Information Disclosure Act), marks a significant step towards transparency and citizen empowerment.

This law recognizes information as a fundamental human right, essential for personal development, social engagement, and national resilience. It emphasizes that open access to information is a hallmark of a democratic state, enabling citizens to participate actively in governance and hold public bodies accountable.

But what does this law really mean for you? This article breaks down the key aspects of the Keterbukaan Informasi Publik, clarifies your rights, explains how to request information, and navigates potential limitations. It's your guide to becoming an informed and empowered citizen in Indonesia.

Why Does Information Access Matter? Unveiling the Core Principles

A key unlocking a map of Indonesia, symbolizing information access.

The Keterbukaan Informasi Publik is built on the foundation that information is a vital resource for every individual. Access to information isn't just about knowing; it's about:

Personal Growth: Access to diverse information fuels intellectual curiosity, expands horizons, and allows individuals to make informed decisions about their lives.

Social Development: Informed citizens can participate more effectively in community discussions, contribute to policy debates, and work towards positive change.
National Resilience: A well-informed populace is better equipped to understand national challenges, support effective policies, and contribute to the country's progress.
Human Rights: Access to information is recognized as a fundamental human right, essential for individual autonomy and democratic participation.
Good Governance: Transparency in government operations fosters accountability, reduces corruption, and builds public trust.

Ultimately, the Keterbukaan Informasi Publik aims to create a society where citizens are active participants in shaping their nation's future.

Unlock Your Right to Know: Embrace Information Access

The Keterbukaan Informasi Publik represents a powerful tool for citizens to engage with their government, understand policy decisions, and contribute to a more transparent and accountable society. By understanding your rights and actively seeking information, you can become a more informed, empowered, and engaged citizen of Indonesia.

About this Article -

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Everything You Need To Know

What is the primary purpose of Indonesia's Undang-Undang Nomor 14 Tahun 2008?

The primary purpose of Indonesia's Undang-Undang Nomor 14 Tahun 2008, also known as the Keterbukaan Informasi Publik (Public Information Disclosure Act), is to empower citizens by ensuring their right to access public information. This access is intended to foster transparency, accountability, and active participation in governance, ultimately leading to a more informed and engaged citizenry.

How does the Keterbukaan Informasi Publik contribute to personal growth and social development?

The Keterbukaan Informasi Publik supports personal growth by providing access to diverse information. This access fuels intellectual curiosity, expands horizons, and enables individuals to make informed decisions. In terms of social development, informed citizens can participate more effectively in community discussions, contribute to policy debates, and work towards positive change, strengthening the fabric of Indonesian society.

What are the key benefits of the Keterbukaan Informasi Publik in relation to national resilience?

The Keterbukaan Informasi Publik strengthens national resilience by providing citizens with the information needed to understand national challenges and support effective policies. When the populace is well-informed, it can better contribute to the country's progress and stability, ensuring that citizens are active participants in shaping their nation's future.

What actions can citizens take to leverage the Keterbukaan Informasi Publik?

Citizens can leverage the Keterbukaan Informasi Publik by understanding their rights under the law and actively seeking information from public bodies. They can request information related to government policies, public projects, and other relevant data to become more informed and engaged. This active engagement is crucial for holding authorities accountable and contributing to a more transparent and accountable society in Indonesia.

How does the Keterbukaan Informasi Publik relate to human rights and good governance?

The Keterbukaan Informasi Publik is intrinsically linked to human rights by recognizing access to information as a fundamental right, essential for individual autonomy and democratic participation. This law supports good governance by promoting transparency in government operations, which fosters accountability, reduces corruption, and builds public trust. By providing citizens with access to information, the law aims to create a society where citizens are active participants in shaping their nation's future.