By: Akhsanul Khaq

The Audit Board of the Republic of Indonesia (BPK) is constitutionally mandated as an independent body, reflecting the INTOSAI Lima Declaration (1977), which underscores the importance of legal, organizational, and operational independence in ensuring accountability. However, Indonesia’s evolving political and institutional landscape introduces challenges to this mandate. The 2024 presidential transition initiated a new development cycle under Law No. 25/2004, requiring each administration to prepare a National Medium-Term Development Plan (RPJMN) aligned with the Long-Term Development Plan (RPJPN). This process has involved ministerial restructuring, the establishment of new agencies, and the launch of flagship initiatives, such as the free nutritious meal program, all of which reshape governance arrangements and audit priorities.

Independence is not merely a theoretical principle in the governance of state financial audit institutions, but rather an absolute requirement for the realization of credible public accountability. Independence is the primary foundation of INTOSAI-P10. INTOSAI-P10 emphasizes that the Indonesian Audit Board can only be objective and effective if it is independent from the audited entity and protected from external influences. Public trust is the greatest asset for any state institution. This trust is born from one fundamental key: independence, namely the freedom to work objectively, honestly, and free from pressure from any party. The independence of the BPK is the primary foundation for audit results to be recognized, trusted, and have a real impact on improving state financial governance.