Page 346 - BUKU STRENGTHENING THE INDONESIAN PARLIAMENTARY DIPLOMACY FADLI ZON

I would like to share to you our perspectives on what is meant by Open Parliament. For the
Indonesian House of Representatives, Open Parliament means that we are acting to ensure
the public can freely exercise their basic right which is the right to know as guaranteed and
protected by our Constitution that said as follows:

“Every person shall have the right to communicate and to obtain information for the purpose of the
development of his/her self and social environment, and shall have the right to seek, obtain, possess, store,
process and convey information through the utilization of all channels available,” (article 28F).

But it is not only about information. It is also about public participation. Open Parliament is also
a way to engaging the public into legislative-making process. Parliament is the representative
of the people. We need to act upon their approval. In order to serve their interest, parliament
should provide any means to increase public engagement including by the use of technology.

Selected Speeches of the Vice Speaker of the House of Representatives of the Republic of Indonesia I 333