Citizens' Subjective Experiences in Accessing Public Information in the State Administration Process: A Human Rights and Government Transparency Perspective

Abstract

In an era of digitalization and information openness, public access to information is a fundamental right that supports citizen participation in state administration processes. However, many citizens still face challenges in effectively accessing public information, impacting governmental transparency and human rights fulfillment. Despite regulatory frameworks supporting public information disclosure, structural barriers, lack of public awareness, and bureaucratic complexity hinder effective access. This study explores citizens' subjective experiences in accessing public information within state administration processes, focusing on challenges and their impact on perceptions of governmental transparency and accountability.
Utilizing an interpretative phenomenological approach, this research gathered data through in-depth interviews with citizens who had recent experiences in requesting public information. The findings reveal three major themes: (1) Complexity and Confusion in Administrative Processes, (2) Lack of Transparency in Procedures and Outcomes, and (3) Emotional Impact on Trust in Government. These experiences highlight the barriers faced by citizens and influence their perceptions of transparency and accountability.
The results contribute to theoretical understanding in public administration and human rights fields, providing practical recommendations for improving public information disclosure policies. This study emphasizes the importance of simplifying administrative procedures and enhancing transparency to foster public trust in government.