Indonesia passes new FOI law.

• Author: Swartz, Nikki
• Position: UP FRONT

While Indonesia has one of the freest presses in the region, its citizens have not always enjoyed freedom of information (FOI). But that is expected to change with the passage of a new FOI law that will require Indonesian bureaucratic institutions to update the public every six months, promptly release any information affecting public order or citizens' health and well-being, and provide regular news about public service work, expenses, and procedures.

The law, passed in April after an eight-year struggle, marks a new breakthrough in Indonesia's commitment to reforming its bureaucracy, according to a World Bank report. The Indonesian House of Representatives said the law will be implemented by 2010.

"The passing of the Freedom of Information bill further cements Indonesia's commitment to being an open, democratic society," said Staffan Synnerstrom, lead public sector specialist for World Bank Indonesia. "Access to public information would allow greater success in promoting good governance in Indonesia, and acts as a stronger weapon in the fight against corruption."

The law is a victory for FOI supporters who have been campaigning in Indonesia since 2000. The FOI law calls for creating independent public information commissions at provincial and even district levels, if deemed necessary. Its members will be nominated by the public and approved by legislators. Its core function is to settle disputes that may...