Building a mature democracy requires openness and honesty. Therefore, democratic institutions must transform themselves into organizations that are open, accessible, accountable, and participatory. Democracy cannot grow and flourish in a vacuum. It requires interaction with its environment. It needs “fresh air” and “bright light” to carry out its “photosynthesis,” sustaining the chain of life that supports a democratic political and governmental system.
Public participation in every stage of the electoral process has contributed significantly to the realization of free and fair elections. The potential for fraud is reduced as election administrators become more accountable through public oversight. Public confidence in the credibility of the 2014 General Election increased compared to previous elections. In addition, the relationship between election administrators and the public became increasingly dynamic.
— Ferry Kurnia Rizkiyansyah, Member of the General Elections Commission (KPU) of the Republic of Indonesia
Openness will find its true meaning and value only when it is more than beautiful words on paper. Openness must be realized not merely as a policy, but also as a set of programs and activities that are implemented and whose outcomes are ensured. When openness becomes nothing more than a slogan, it is no different from hoping for elections that are direct, general, free, secret, honest, fair, and democratic, while discussing them endlessly from one forum to another. It becomes an empty promise.
For this reason, openness is not merely a slogan. It is trust, commitment, and concrete action. Openness in the form of open data must continue to characterize both Indonesia’s election administrators and the electoral process itself. We remain confident and committed to this vision.
— Titi Anggraini, Executive Director of Perludem
This book is essential reading for election administrators, democracy and election practitioners, politicians, and public institutions. It presents stories, experiences, and practical guidance on information disclosure and open data, particularly in the field of elections. It is intended for data enthusiasts, software designers and developers, journalists, activists, and the broader public. We hope that this manual on election information disclosure and open data will help facilitate documentation and data management efforts in the electoral field.
