A recent study in Indonesia highlights frustrations like those reported by public records requesters in the United States. The researcher of the study, “Citizens’ subjective experiences of public information disclosure: A human rights and transparency perspective,” conducted 10 in depth-interviews with individuals seeking government records to learn that people were frustrated by bureaucratic procedures and obstruction – concluding the process was deliberately designed to be opaque. One participant said, “I was told I could access the information, but they kept changing the requirements. I just gave up in the end.” 

Despite these setbacks, most participants remained hopeful for greater transparency and responsiveness in the future. 

The key takeaway: The challenges faced by these requesters are not unique—they reflect a broader pattern of frustration experienced by citizens worldwide. Despite the U.S. system once being considered the model, we should look beyond the current system and draw inspiration from more efficient models abroad to improve transparency and responsiveness globally. 

Posted: February 13, 2025
Category: Brechner News
Tagged as: Brechner FOI Project, FOI, FOIA, Government Transparency, open records laws