Indonesia’s Freedom of Information in 2025: Looming Reforms, Hidden Challenges & Surprising Opportunities Revealed

Table of Contents

• Executive Summary: Why Freedom of Information Matters Now
• Current Legal Framework: Laws, Rights, and Compliance Requirements
• Key Government Agencies and Their Roles
• Recent Developments in 2024–2025: Policy Shifts and High-Profile Cases
• Transparency vs. Security: Navigating National Interests
• Compliance Challenges for Public and Private Entities
• Key Statistics: Access, Denials, and Appeals (2023–2025)
• International Benchmarks: How Indonesia Compares
• Future Outlook: Expected Reforms and Digital Trends (2025–2030)
• Recommendations for Stakeholders: Ensuring Progress and Accountability
• Sources & References

Executive Summary: Why Freedom of Information Matters Now

Freedom of information (FOI) in Indonesia stands as a critical pillar for transparency, public participation, and accountability within the country’s democratic framework. The right to access public information is enshrined in Law No. 14 of 2008 on Public Information Disclosure (Ministry of Communication and Informatics). This legislation obligates public bodies to disclose information proactively, respond to public requests, and establish information management and documentation officers. In 2025, the relevance of FOI has intensified, given Indonesia’s commitments to open governance, digital transformation, and the fight against corruption.

Recent years have witnessed an increase in public requests for information, particularly around budget allocation, public procurement, and environmental matters. According to the Central Information Commission, there were over 16,000 public information requests processed nationally in 2024, a figure expected to grow as digital platforms simplify the application process. However, compliance remains uneven. While ministries and major agencies report over 70% fulfillment of proactive disclosure obligations, many regional and village-level bodies lag behind, with some local governments facing public reprimands for non-compliance (Central Information Commission).

Legal appeals and disputes over information access are also rising. The Information Commission registered more than 1,200 disputes in 2024, indicating both increased public awareness and persistent institutional reluctance to disclose sensitive data. Notably, the Constitutional Court has underscored that state secrecy must be balanced against the public’s right to know, especially concerning issues of public interest (Constitutional Court of the Republic of Indonesia).

Looking ahead to 2025 and beyond, Indonesia faces both opportunities and challenges. The government’s ongoing digitalization push aims to streamline FOI processes, but also exposes gaps in data security and standardization. Strengthening FOI will require capacity building at local levels, improved monitoring, and clear enforcement mechanisms. As Indonesia prepares for further democratic consolidation and increased international engagement, robust freedom of information is essential for effective governance, anti-corruption efforts, and fostering an informed citizenry.

Current Legal Framework: Laws, Rights, and Compliance Requirements

Indonesia’s legal framework for freedom of information is principally governed by Law No. 14 of 2008 on Public Information Disclosure (Undang-Undang Keterbukaan Informasi Publik, or UU KIP). This law guarantees the right of every citizen to access public information held by government bodies at both national and regional levels. The law aims to promote transparency, accountability, and good governance by setting out the obligations of public agencies to disclose information proactively and upon request, unless the information falls under specific exempted categories such as state secrets, personal data, or matters affecting national security.

The central compliance and oversight body is the Central Information Commission (Komisi Informasi Pusat, or KIP), which adjudicates disputes and monitors implementation. Government agencies are required to appoint Information and Documentation Management Officers (Pejabat Pengelola Informasi dan Dokumentasi, or PPID) and to publish a minimum set of information, including organizational structures, decision-making processes, financial reports, and public procurement activities. Regular reporting to the KIP is mandatory, and noncompliance can result in administrative sanctions or court action.

Recent data from the Central Information Commission indicates a steady increase in public information requests between 2020 and 2024, with over 30,000 cases filed in 2023 alone. However, compliance remains inconsistent, especially at the local government level. The 2024 KIP annual report found that less than 65% of provincial agencies met their obligations for proactive disclosure, while compliance among district-level bodies was below 50%. Common challenges include insufficient digital infrastructure, lack of staff training, and ambiguities in the classification of exempt information.

Legislative and regulatory developments are expected to further shape the landscape in 2025 and beyond. The government is preparing revisions to UU KIP to clarify the boundaries of exempt information and to strengthen penalties for noncompliance, in line with ongoing digital transformation initiatives and the National Strategy for Corruption Prevention (Corruption Eradication Commission). Additionally, the implementation of Government Regulation No. 61 of 2010 on the Implementation of Public Information Disclosure continues to guide technical standards for information management and dispute resolution.

Looking ahead, the outlook for freedom of information in Indonesia is cautiously optimistic. While challenges persist—particularly regarding enforcement and local-level compliance—ongoing legal reforms and increased public awareness signal a gradual strengthening of the right to information and greater transparency in public administration.

Key Government Agencies and Their Roles

Indonesia’s framework for freedom of information (FOI) is primarily governed by Law No. 14/2008 on Public Information Disclosure (Undang-Undang Keterbukaan Informasi Publik, or UU KIP), which grants citizens the right to access public information and establishes mechanisms for compliance and oversight. Several key government agencies play critical roles in the implementation, regulation, and enforcement of FOI as Indonesia continues to refine its openness in the digital era.

• Central Information Commission (Komisi Informasi Pusat, KIP): The KIP is the chief independent body mandated by UU KIP to oversee, monitor, and resolve disputes concerning public information requests. It adjudicates appeals when information is denied or delayed and issues binding decisions. The KIP also publishes annual reports and statistics on FOI compliance and has reported a steady increase in public requests, with over 20,000 cases handled nationwide by 2023, and targets increasing digital outreach and mediation efficiency through 2025 (Komisi Informasi Pusat).
• Ministry of Communication and Informatics (Kementerian Komunikasi dan Informatika, Kominfo): Kominfo is responsible for developing and maintaining digital platforms for information disclosure, including the national PPID (Information and Documentation Management Officer) portal, and providing technical guidance to government bodies. Kominfo also coordinates FOI policy reviews and digital transparency initiatives in line with Indonesia’s e-government roadmap (Kementerian Komunikasi dan Informatika).
• Information and Documentation Management Officers (PPID): Every public institution, from ministries to local governments, is required to appoint a PPID tasked with processing information requests, publishing public data, and ensuring compliance with disclosure obligations. By 2025, over 900 PPID units have been established at central and regional levels, and ongoing audits aim to enhance their responsiveness (PPID Kominfo).
• Ministry of State Apparatus Empowerment and Bureaucratic Reform (Kementerian PANRB): This ministry supervises the implementation of bureaucratic reforms, including public service transparency. It sets performance indicators related to FOI compliance in annual government evaluations and incentivizes agencies with high disclosure rates (Kementerian PANRB).

Looking to 2025 and beyond, these agencies are intensifying collaborations to automate information management, improve dispute resolution, and align procedures with Indonesia’s broader digital transformation agenda. Persistent challenges remain—including uneven compliance across regions and sectors—but ongoing reforms signal a commitment to greater openness and public accountability.

Recent Developments in 2024–2025: Policy Shifts and High-Profile Cases

In 2024–2025, Indonesia’s freedom of information landscape has experienced significant developments, driven by both regulatory changes and high-profile legal cases. The core legal framework remains the Public Information Disclosure Act (Undang-Undang Keterbukaan Informasi Publik, UU KIP) No. 14/2008, which guarantees the public’s right to access information held by public bodies. However, recent events suggest increasing tension between transparency commitments and regulatory or political pressures.

• Policy Shifts and Amendments: In late 2024, the Ministry of Communication and Information Technology proposed draft amendments to UU KIP. These focused on clarifying the definition of “public interest” exceptions, data protection alignment, and procedures for digital information requests. Stakeholder consultations revealed concerns from civil society groups about potential narrowing of access rights, particularly regarding government-held data on public procurement and environmental impact.
• High-Profile Cases: Several lawsuits in 2024 and early 2025 tested the boundaries of the right to information. Notably, the Central Information Commission (Komisi Informasi Pusat) adjudicated a widely publicized case in which a non-governmental organization demanded disclosure of presidential travel expenditures. The Commission ruled partially in favor of disclosure, emphasizing that fiscal transparency trumps administrative confidentiality except where national security is demonstrably at risk.
• Compliance and Enforcement: According to the Central Information Commission, the compliance rate among national and regional government agencies in responding to public information requests increased marginally to 78% as of March 2025, up from 74% in 2023. However, several ministries and local governments remain on the Commission’s watch list for delays or incomplete disclosure.
• Key Statistics: Between January 2024 and March 2025, the Commission received over 3,200 public complaints regarding access to information, with disputes over environmental data and government contracting data being the most common. About 51% of cases were resolved in favor of greater disclosure, marking a slight improvement over previous years.
• Outlook: Looking ahead, Indonesia’s freedom of information regime faces a delicate balancing act. While digitalization initiatives by the Ministry of Communication and Information Technology are expected to improve access, ongoing debates over exceptions and data privacy may challenge the full realization of open government principles. Continued judicial oversight and active civil society engagement will likely shape the trajectory of transparency in the next few years.

Transparency vs. Security: Navigating National Interests

Indonesia’s commitment to freedom of information is primarily governed by Law No. 14 of 2008 on Public Information Disclosure (Undang-Undang Keterbukaan Informasi Publik, or KIP Law). This legislation, effective since 2010, obligates public bodies to provide access to information, reinforcing the constitutional right to information as stipulated in Article 28F of the 1945 Constitution. The KIP Law defines which information must be made public, what may be withheld for reasons such as state security, and the procedures for requesting and appealing information. The Information Commission (Komisi Informasi Pusat, KIP) operates as the central authority for overseeing compliance and resolving disputes.

In recent years, including 2025, Indonesia continues to face tension between the transparency mandated by KIP Law and national security considerations. The government has invoked exceptions to disclosure for issues deemed sensitive to sovereignty, defense, or national security. For example, in the context of counterterrorism and cybersecurity, authorities frequently cite Law No. 17 of 2011 on State Intelligence and Law No. 1 of 2023 on Criminal Code for withholding certain categories of data. This approach has drawn debate, especially when public interest overlaps with the need for accountability in governance.

Compliance with the KIP Law remains mixed. According to annual reports from the Komisi Informasi Pusat, as of 2024, about 63% of public bodies met the criteria for “informative” status, while a significant portion were classified as “less informative” or “un-informative.” Challenges cited include limited resources, inconsistent application of disclosure procedures, and bureaucratic reluctance to share information. The Information Commission received and processed over 2,000 disputes in 2023, a figure projected to increase modestly in 2025 as public awareness and digital literacy rise.

• Key statistics (2024–2025):
  • 63% of public bodies are “informative.”
  • Over 2,000 information disputes handled annually.
  • Steady increase in online information requests, driven by e-government initiatives.

Looking ahead, the outlook is shaped by the government’s digital transformation agenda, which includes expanding the Ministry of Communication and Informatics’ e-government platforms and the introduction of the Indonesia Digital Services Act (anticipated 2026). These initiatives aim to streamline information disclosure but may also introduce new regulatory frameworks that balance openness with security concerns. The Information Commission is expected to play a critical role in mediating these interests, ensuring that transparency is not unduly compromised by national security claims. Robust public oversight and continued legal refinement will be pivotal in safeguarding freedom of information in Indonesia through 2025 and beyond.

Compliance Challenges for Public and Private Entities

Indonesia’s freedom of information regime, anchored in Law No. 14 of 2008 on Public Information Disclosure (Undang-Undang Keterbukaan Informasi Publik, or UU KIP), mandates that public bodies proactively disclose information and respond to public requests. As of 2025, both public and private entities face persistent compliance challenges, even as regulatory frameworks and oversight mechanisms continue to evolve.

Key compliance obligations under the UU KIP include designating Information Management and Documentation Officers (PPID), maintaining updated information lists, and responding to information requests within stipulated timeframes. Entities must also manage exceptions related to state secrets, personal data, and commercial confidentiality. The law applies broadly to government ministries, agencies, state-owned enterprises, and—where public service or funds are involved—private actors.

• Public Sector Compliance: Many government agencies struggle with digital infrastructure limitations, insufficient training, and inconsistent standard operating procedures. According to the official assessment by Komisi Informasi Pusat (Central Information Commission), as of 2024, only 42% of central government bodies and 35% of provincial agencies achieved the “informative” or “toward informative” rating in annual public information transparency evaluations.
• Private Sector Challenges: Private entities, particularly those engaged in public contracts or services, face uncertainty over the scope of their disclosure obligations. Many lack internal compliance frameworks or dedicated officers, resulting in delayed or incomplete responses. The Komisi Informasi Pusat continues to receive complaints related to access denials by state-owned and regulated private companies.
• Dispute Resolution and Enforcement: The Information Commission hears hundreds of disputes annually. While some final decisions compel disclosure, enforcement is inconsistent. Few cases proceed to administrative or criminal sanctions, as permitted by the law, and follow-up on compliance remains weak.

Recent amendments to strengthen oversight, including efforts to digitalize public information systems and clarify private-sector obligations, are slated for further implementation in 2025–2026. The government has also expanded training programs for PPID officers and is piloting an integrated digital request platform (Ministry of Communication and Informatics).

Looking ahead, compliance is expected to improve incrementally as digital tools become widespread and regulatory guidance matures. However, persistent gaps in capacity, legal awareness, and enforcement may continue to hinder full realization of freedom of information rights in Indonesia in the near future.

Key Statistics: Access, Denials, and Appeals (2023–2025)

Indonesia’s commitment to freedom of information is established under the Law No. 14 of 2008 on Public Information Disclosure, which mandates government agencies to provide timely and accurate public information. Oversight falls to Indonesia’s Central Information Commission (Komisi Informasi Pusat), which annually publishes statistics on access requests, denials, and appeals (so-called “information disputes”).

• Volume of Requests: In 2023, public bodies in Indonesia received approximately 124,000 requests for information. Early 2024 data suggests a steady increase, with the number expected to surpass 130,000 by the end of 2024, reflecting rising public awareness and digital access initiatives (Ministry of Communication and Informatics).
• Denials and Disputes: Roughly 16% of requests in 2023 were denied outright or not responded to within statutory deadlines, leading to nearly 20,000 formal disputes filed with the Information Commission. These disputes commonly concerned access to environmental data, procurement documents, and budget transparency.
• Appeals Outcomes: Of the disputes adjudicated in 2023, the Information Commission ruled in favor of public access in about 60% of cases, ordering agencies to release the requested information. Around 30% of appeals were rejected, and the remainder resulted in partial disclosure or technical dismissals (Komisi Informasi Pusat).
• Compliance and Enforcement: While compliance rates have improved, enforcement of disclosure orders remains inconsistent, with follow-up monitoring revealing that roughly 25% of agencies delayed or failed to fulfill Commission directives in 2023. The Commission has highlighted the need for stronger sanctions and clearer accountability (Komisi Informasi Pusat).
• Outlook (2025): For 2025, the Information Commission is projecting a continued rise in requests and appeals, driven by public engagement and digital transparency platforms. However, persistent challenges include bureaucratic resistance, uneven compliance across regions, and the need for regulatory updates to address digital-era complexities.

Indonesia’s freedom of information regime is maturing in terms of volume and sophistication, but ongoing reforms and enforcement improvements are necessary to realize its full potential in the coming years.

International Benchmarks: How Indonesia Compares

Indonesia’s commitment to freedom of information is governed primarily by Law No. 14/2008 on Public Information Disclosure (Keterbukaan Informasi Publik—KIP Law), which mandates all public bodies to provide accessible information to citizens, except in cases where disclosure may harm national interests or privacy. The law established the Komisi Informasi Pusat (Central Information Commission) as the primary oversight body to ensure compliance and adjudicate disputes.

In a 2025 context, Indonesia’s legal framework for freedom of information is considered robust by regional standards. The KIP Law covers a broad range of public institutions, including the executive, legislative, judiciary, state-owned enterprises, and regional governments. As of early 2025, the Komisi Informasi Pusat reports a steady rise in the number of public information requests, with over 17,000 cases registered in 2024 and a compliance rate of approximately 69% among public bodies. However, this lags behind some neighboring countries with longer-standing or more comprehensive legislation.

• Comparative Legal Frameworks: Unlike Indonesia, countries such as Thailand and the Philippines have updated their information laws in recent years, expanding the role of digital access and proactive disclosure. Indonesia’s KIP Law, while comprehensive, faces criticism for slow bureaucratic response times and inconsistencies in the application of exemptions.
• Compliance and Enforcement: According to the Komisi Informasi Pusat, enforcement remains a challenge. The average time to resolve disputes is over 90 days, and several government agencies have been cited for failing to maintain up-to-date online information portals as stipulated by law.
• International Rankings: Indonesia ranks in the mid-range globally for right-to-information effectiveness, trailing behind open government leaders like South Korea but outperforming several ASEAN peers. The Ministry of Communication and Informatics has outlined plans for digital infrastructure upgrades and capacity-building for information officers to help close the gap.

The outlook for 2025 and beyond suggests incremental improvements. The government has initiated pilot projects for automated disclosure systems and is considering amendments to the KIP Law to clarify exemptions and strengthen sanctions for non-compliance. However, progress will depend on political will, stronger regulatory oversight, and increased public awareness. As the region moves toward greater transparency, Indonesia’s ongoing reforms will be crucial in determining its standing against international benchmarks.

Future Outlook: Expected Reforms and Digital Trends (2025–2030)

Looking ahead to 2025 and beyond, Indonesia’s landscape for freedom of information (FoI) is poised for both challenges and reforms, driven largely by digitalization, evolving legal standards, and public demand for transparency. The nation’s foundational legal framework for public information—the Law No. 14 of 2008 on Public Information Disclosure (KIP Law)—established the right to obtain information from public bodies, with oversight by the Central Information Commission. However, rapid technological change and heightened citizen expectations are now spurring calls for modernization and greater compliance.

Recent years have seen the government initiate several digital governance programs, such as the Satu Data Indonesia policy, aimed at integrating and standardizing government data for easier public access. By 2025, this program is expected to expand further, with ministries and local governments mandated to digitize records and improve their open data portals. The Ministry of Communication and Informatics continues to invest in digital infrastructure and cybersecurity, addressing both access and protection of sensitive information.

Despite these advances, compliance with FoI standards remains uneven. According to recent annual reports, the Central Information Commission handled over 1,000 public information disputes in 2023, with a majority originating from local governments and law enforcement agencies. Many public bodies fail to proactively disclose information, and response times to information requests often exceed statutory limits. To address this, draft amendments to the KIP Law—currently under parliamentary review—are expected in 2025. Proposed reforms include stricter sanctions for non-compliance, clearer definitions of exempted information, and mandatory online disclosure platforms for all state institutions (House of Representatives of the Republic of Indonesia).

• By 2025, over 70% of central government agencies are projected to operate standardized online information portals, while local government compliance is expected to lag at around 45% (Central Information Commission).
• Automation and artificial intelligence are set to enhance document management and information retrieval, streamlining public response and reducing human error.
• Ongoing training for public officials and digital literacy campaigns among citizens are planned to strengthen both supply and demand sides of FoI.

The outlook for 2025–2030 suggests that while legal and technological reforms will improve transparency, persistent gaps in implementation and regional disparities must be bridged. Continued oversight by the Central Information Commission and increased public pressure are likely to be key drivers for progress in Indonesia’s freedom of information regime.

Recommendations for Stakeholders: Ensuring Progress and Accountability

Ensuring sustained progress and accountability in the realm of freedom of information (FOI) in Indonesia demands concerted action from government bodies, public institutions, civil society, and the private sector. Despite notable advances since the enactment of Law No. 14 of 2008 on Public Information Disclosure (Ministry of Communication and Informatics), challenges related to compliance, transparency, and public awareness persist. The following recommendations are tailored to relevant stakeholders as Indonesia approaches 2025 and beyond:

• Government Ministries and Agencies: Prioritize full and proactive compliance with Law No. 14/2008 by regularly publishing mandatory public information, improving digital platforms for information access, and providing clear pathways for information requests. Agencies should allocate adequate resources for Information and Documentation Management Officers (PPID) and ensure regular training, as required by the Komisi Informasi Pusat (Central Information Commission).
• Local Governments: Address regional disparities in FOI compliance, particularly in provinces and regencies identified with low transparency scores. Local governments should utilize the annual evaluation and monitoring instruments provided by the Central Information Commission to benchmark improvements and adopt best practices (Komisi Informasi Pusat).
• Parliament and Lawmakers: Review and update FOI-related legislation to address digital information management, personal data protection, and procedural loopholes that can delay or obstruct public access. Harmonization with the Personal Data Protection Law is essential to maintain a balance between transparency and privacy.
• Judiciary: Ensure that appeals and disputes concerning information requests are handled promptly and transparently. Courts should consistently uphold the principle of maximum disclosure, except where clearly defined exemptions apply (Supreme Court of the Republic of Indonesia).
• Civil Society Organizations (CSOs): Intensify public education campaigns to raise awareness about the right to information and monitor government compliance. CSOs should leverage digital tools to facilitate citizen engagement and report violations to the Central Information Commission.
• Private Sector: For entities performing public functions or managing public resources, clarify disclosure obligations and engage transparently in public procurement processes, as outlined in recent Komisi Informasi Pusat guidance.

Looking forward, Indonesia’s digital transformation and expanding e-government initiatives present both opportunities and challenges for FOI. Stakeholders must uphold transparency as a foundational value while ensuring effective implementation, regular monitoring, and adaptive legal frameworks to guarantee that the right to information remains robust and enforceable in the coming years.

Sources & References

• Central Information Commission
• Corruption Eradication Commission
• Kementerian PANRB
• Satu Data Indonesia
• Supreme Court of the Republic of Indonesia