Title: The evolution of the Indonesian Ombudsman System

Authors: Susi Dwi Harijanti

Addresses: Faculty of Law, Padjadjaran University, Jl. Imam Bonjol No. 21, Bandung – Indonesia

Abstract: The enactment of Law No. 37 of 2008 concerning The Ombudsman of Republic of Indonesia (Law on ORI) marks the emerging development of the Indonesian Ombudsman System. The new Law was adopted in a context of increasing public demand for better public service and political concerns in regard to existing independent state institutions. Previously governed by the Presidential Decree No. 44 of 2000, the National Ombudsman Commission - typical of executive Ombudsman - was regarded as a mere 'complaints desk' and a 'paper tiger' as it had a number of serious problems, including legal and non-legal. This article investigates both the legislative and institutional changes that postdate late 2008 within the Ombudsman system. It is argued that the task developing Indonesia's Ombudsman system remains a 'work in progress'. An explanation of this argument is provided through the experience of the National Ombudsman and the enactment of new legislation relevant to the function of the Indonesian Ombudsman, including Law No. 14 of 2008 regarding Freedom of Information and Law No. 25 of 2009 concerning Public Service.

Keywords: Ombudsman; Indonesia; freedom of information; FoI; corruption; public services; independent state institutions.

DOI: 10.1504/IJPLAP.2014.057885

International Journal of Public Law and Policy, 2014 Vol.4 No.1, pp.37 - 52

Published online: 21 Nov 2014 *

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