Initial Meetings For BPK Audit of Bappenas’ 2023 Financial Accounts Take Place

In order to fulfill the mandates of Law No. 15/2004 on the Examination of the Management and Financial Responsibility of the State, and Law No. 15/2006 on the Supreme Audit Agency of the Republic of Indonesia (BPK RI), the BPK RI conducted an examination of the Ministry of National Development Planning/Bappenas’ 2023 financial statements.

The examination adhered to the Standards for the Examination of State Finances as regulated in BPK Regulation No. 1/2017.

Initial meetings for the examination took place on January 29, 2024. On this occasion, BPK RI Member II Daniel Lumban Tobing presented the objectives, scope, stages, timeline, and the composition of the BPK RI examination team. The examination aims to assess four crucial aspects: the conformity of financial statements with Government Accounting Standards, the adequacy of financial information disclosure in the financial statements, compliance with laws and regulations, and the effectiveness of the internal control system. 

"The examination covers all components of financial statements, such as the balance sheet, budget realization report, operational report, equity change report, and notes to the financial statements," stated Daniel.

The examination process will be carried out in three stages: planning, implementation, and reporting, with important dates serving as a reference for the examination team and all levels of the Ministry of National Development Planning/Bappenas. BPK RI's expectations for this examination include cooperation and support from the Ministry of National Development Planning/Bappenas, expedited provision of data and information, and the willingness of ministry officials to provide explanations during the examination. It also includes designating a Person in Charge (PIC) from the unit to coordinate and communicate.

Meanwhile, the Minister of National Development Planning/Head of Bappenas Suharso Monoarfa welcomed the BPK's recommendations, which he feels will provide improvements to the ministry’s financial governance processes. Minister Suharso emphasized the commitment of the Ministry of National Development Planning/Bappenas to always adhere to all laws and regulations, implement an adequate internal control system, and promptly follow up on any BPK recommendations. 

Furthermore, Minister Suharso explained that in 2023, the Ministry of National Development Planning/Bappenas held a crucial role in preparing three development planning documents: the 2025-2045 National Long-Term Development Plan (RPJPN), the 2025-2045 National Medium-Term Development Plan (RPJMN), and the 2024 National Annual Development Plan (RKP). The draft RPJPN and RPJMN have already been socialized and communicated to stakeholders and political parties as references for the development of the work programs of the presidential candidates.

Additionally, in 2023, Presidential Regulation No. 39/2023 on National Development Risk Management (MRPN) was issued, appointing Minister Suharso as the Chairman of the MRPN Committee, playing a vital role in determining policies and frameworks for cross-sectoral risk management in development.

"The Ministry of National Development Planning/Bappenas has also prepared guidelines, information systems, and conducted piloting for national development risk management. In efforts to strengthen capabilities in risk management, training and certification for risk management have been conducted within the Ministry of National Development Planning/Bappenas. We welcome collaboration with BPK RI and are committed to continuously improving the quality of financial management and responsibility for the nation's goals," clarified Minister Suharso.