BPK: ASEAN Secretariat needs audit on financial management

Jakarta, Indonesianpost.com – Chairperson of the Supreme Audit Agency (BPK), Isma Yatun, has stressed the importance of conducting an internationally standardized audit on the financial management of the ASEAN Secretariat.

“Maintaining and strengthening the trust and confidence of ASEAN stakeholders is of utmost importance,” Yatun said in a statement on Sunday.

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During the 48th ASEAN Audit Committee (AAC) Meeting on Thursday, she stated that the Audit and Evaluation Division of the ASEAN Secretariat needs to be strengthened in terms of its role and function.

There is an urgent need to collaborate with other organizations, including entities associated with ASEAN such as the ASEAN Supreme Audit Institutions (ASEANSAI), for capacity building, especially in the public sector audit, she said.

The world conditions, especially the pandemic, pose challenges to the sustainability of organizations, but some international organizations have set an example by improving governance in response to the multi-dimensional crisis, she added.

“We must pay attention to and overcome these challenges, especially in carrying out our roles and responsibilities at the AAC,” she said.

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During the meeting, the AAC was expected to provide views and considerations for financial statement assurance, internal control, and governance of the ASEAN Secretariat.

The meeting was attended by AAC members from the 10 ASEAN member states, and Timor Leste attended as an observer.

“The ASEAN Audit Committee is seeking transparency, accountability, and good governance from the ASEAN Secretariat,” she said.

The agenda began with the consideration of observations by the Committee of Permanent Representatives (CPR) on the report of the 47th AAC meeting and follow-ups on external auditors’ recommendations from the previous meeting.

BPK also recommended increasing transparency and accountability of the ASEANSAI Secretariat, especially regarding the determination of external auditors, by amending the ASEAN Financial & Administrative Rules And Procedures (AFARP).