Vitoria-Gasteiz, Spain, 9 October 2025
Amid the ongoing Open Government Partnership (OGP) Global Summit 2025 held on 6–10 October in Vitoria-Gasteiz, Spain, Indonesian civil society delivered a critical reflection on the country’s journey toward open government. Although Indonesia is recognized as one of the founding members of OGP and has introduced various open governance innovations, the domestic reality reveals increasingly stark contradictions.
Civil Society Diplomacy: Bearing a Good Name, Carrying Deep Wounds
The Indonesian civil society delegation arrived in Spain carrying a proud legacy of openness—ranging from local budget transparency initiatives, the LAPOR! public complaint portal, expanded access to legal aid, to transparent and inclusive procurement systems. These efforts represent a form of public diplomacy that showcases Indonesia’s progressive face of openness on the global stage.
However, behind this diplomacy lies deep disappointment. Following mass protests from late August to early September 2025, civic space in Indonesia has narrowed dramatically. The #SaveIndonesia / #ResetIndonesia demonstrations—demanding transparency and accountability—were instead met with the arrest of thousands of protestors and restrictions on freedom of expression.
“We came to this global forum bringing stories of innovation, yet many of our colleagues remain detained to this day,” said Muhammad Rizaldi, Acting Executive Director of the Indonesia Judicial Research Society (IJRS), who attended the Summit in Spain.
Furthermore, several ongoing government programs—such as Makan Bergizi Gratis (Free Nutritious Meals), Koperasi Merah Putih, and Sekolah Rakyat—have been implemented without meaningful openness, public participation, or accountability, even after numerous reports of food poisoning and citizen complaints.
Global Trends: Localizing Openness, Indonesia Falling Behind
The global OGP community increasingly emphasizes the importance of openness at the local level. In Southeast Asia, the Philippines has taken the lead by developing OGP Local, involving 17 local governments committed to budget transparency, citizen participation, and social audits as key mechanisms for public oversight.
Unfortunately, Indonesia is lagging behind. The Ministry of Home Affairs’ role in strengthening local governance is barely visible, compounded by massive cuts to intergovernmental fiscal transfers (Dana Transfer ke Daerah or TKD), which have stifled innovation. During a meeting with the Minister of Finance on Tuesday (7 October), 18 governors voiced strong objections to TKD cuts ranging from 20 to 70 percent.
“With an average budget reduction of 20–30 percent per region, and some reaching 60–70 percent, it’s devastating. Many development commitments must now be postponed,” said Sherly Tjoanda, Governor of North Maluku.
Muzakir Manaf, Governor of Aceh, added: “Aceh has special post-reconstruction needs. If the budget is cut, many programs will inevitably be delayed.”
This situation makes it increasingly difficult to advance local-level openness—starkly contrasting with previous years. For instance, in 2021, Banggai Regency Government received the OGP Accelerator Award for its commitment to developing a sexual and reproductive health service app, while Semarang City Government was recognized for its digital public complaint system. This year, Indonesia received no awards, signaling the urgent need for stronger central support and empowerment of local governments.
The Role of Parliament: Restoring Public Trust
Civil society groups also underscored the vital role of parliament. To date, the House of Representatives (DPR) has remained largely passive in exercising its oversight function over the executive branch, even though parliament itself should embody openness in its legislative and budgetary roles.
An open parliament means legislative processes must be transparent, participatory, and accountable. The public has the right to know how laws are drafted, how budgets are used, and how citizens’ voices are represented. Open parliament practices are essential to restoring public trust in the legislature.
“Parliament must embrace transparency—from the lawmaking process and budget allocation to performance at both individual and institutional levels. Without this, public trust will continue to erode,” stressed Bona Tua, Deputy Director of INFID, representing the civil society coalition.
Conclusion
The OGP Global Summit 2025 serves as a global platform to celebrate innovation in open governance. Yet, for Indonesia, this forum has become an arena of civil society diplomacy that, while upholding the nation’s reputation abroad, stands in contrast with the domestic reality of shrinking civic space, weak local openness, and a parliament that has yet to fully embody transparency.
Indonesian civil society urges the government to strengthen legal frameworks for openness, empower local governments, and ensure parliament fulfills its role guided by principles of transparency. Only then can Indonesia reclaim its place as a global model for open governance—while truly responding to the needs of its own people.
Prepared by:
Civil Society Coalition for Open Government in Indonesia
- Indonesia Judicial Research Society (IJRS) – Contact: office@ijrs.or.id
- International NGO Forum on Indonesian Development (INFID)
- Transparency International Indonesia (TII)
- PATTIROS
- Humanis
- Kota Kita
- Southeast Asian Freedom of Expression Network (SAFEnet)