Payment Charged to Access Public Information
Tuesday, 23 January, 2007 | 17:15 WIB

TEMPO Interactive, Jakarta: The discussion on the Draft Bill on Freedom to Access Public Information between the Information Commission of the House of Representatives (DPR) and the Information and Communication Minister Sofyan Djalil was difficult yesterday (01/22). The discussion was concerned with whether or not any payment was charged to access public information. DPR was concerned that the clause may result in the new illegal levies in public institutions. “Don't let the payment be illegal levies,” said a member of the Information Commission Happy Bone Zulkarnain Monday (01/22).

During the meeting, Sofyan proposed that access was charged for payment. Sofyan cited a map request to the Coordinating Body for Surveying Soil and Land (Bakorsutanal). “If one goes to Bakorsutanal and asks for a map, it is logical if the government requests compensation foe the printed map,” he said yesterday.

A Member of the Information Commission A.S. Hikam supported Sofyan's proposal. However, he did not agree if the commercial information be given free. He cited the issuance of Indonesian Institute of Science journal. “When it is circulated in the market, public will still have to buy it,” he said.

Gunanto ES