BPK Express The Urgency Of The Implementation Of The ASEAN Secretariat Audit During AAC

Photo: Doc. Antara

JAKARTA - Chairman of the Supreme Audit Agency (BPK) Isma Yatun stated that the urgency of the implementation of audits and financial arrangements of the ASEAN Secretariat refers to international standards, as well as strengthening the role and function of the ASEAN Secretariat Audit and Evaluation Division.

The statement was made at the ASEAN Audit Committee (AAC) Meeting or the 48th ASEAN Audit Committee, quoted from an official statement, reported by Antara, Sunday, July 9.

Protecting and strengthening the trust and beliefs of ASEAN stakeholders is very important. The hope is that ASEAN will be more strategic and supported as a center of growth," said Isma as well.

Furthermore, he also conveyed the urgency of collaboration with other organizations, including with active with ASEAN such as the ASEAN Supreme Audit Institutions (ASEANSAI) to increase capacity in the field of public sector inspection.

According to Isma, the world has faced challenges that have an impact on organizational life, especially due to the COVID-19 pandemic. However, the challenges that created the multidimensional crisis have been responded to by improving governance in international organizations.

"We must pay attention to and overcome these challenges, especially in carrying out our roles and responsibilities in the AAC," he said.

During the meeting, AAC was also expected to provide views and considerations for guaranteeing financial reports, internal control, and management of the ASEAN Secretariat while carrying out other roles and responsibilities.

The AAC meeting was attended by AAC members of 10 ASEAN and Timor Leste member countries who attended as observers, in order to review and approve the significant issue of ASEAN Secretariat financial reporting.

As Chair of ASEAN in 2023, Indonesia through the BPK serves as the chairman of AAC who is obliged to prepare for the AAC meeting chaired by the Chairman of BPK Isma Yatun.

"This ASEAN Audit Committee is expected to ensure good transparency, accountability, and governance from the ASEAN Secretariat," he said again.

The agenda opens with the Consideration of Observations by the Committee of Permanent Representatives (CPR) on the Report of the 47th ASEAN Audit Committee (AAC) Meeting, which is followed by follow-up activities on the external recommendation of auditors at the 47th meeting.

At this meeting, it was also discussed the Consideration of the Term of Reference (TOR) for External Auditor, Consideration of the Risk Management of ASEAN Secretariat, and Consideration of the Reports and Outcome of 2022/2023 Annual Audit Plan, 2023/2024 Annual Audit Plan & Training of the Internal Audit and Evaluation Division (IAED) and Proposed Internal Audit Charter as per External Auditor's Recommendation.

As part of the delegation of the Republic of Indonesia, BPK also submitted a proposal to increase transparency and accountability of the ASEANSAI Secretariat, especially regarding the determination of external auditors, namely by proposing an administrative ASEAN Financial & Administrative Rules And Procedures (AFARP) amendment to clarify the procedure for determining external auditors of the ASEAN Secretariat.