Syaiful Rahman Soenaria - Peran Akuntan Dalam Perubahan Sosial Indonesia | GAGASAN #1

Summary

In a recent podcast, the speaker discusses the critical roles of accountants and other professionals in transforming Indonesian society. Drawing from Professor Tren Johnson's insights, they emphasize that professionals serve as the backbone of the middle class, act as agents of social change, and provide social control. The discussion highlights Indonesia's pressing issues, including social inequality, economic dependency, and corruption. Accountants can drive value creation, enhance governance, and ensure social accountability, thus playing a vital role in fostering a more equitable and prosperous future for Indonesia.

Takeaways

• 😀 The emergence of professions is a key characteristic of modern society, facilitating social change.
• 😀 Professionals, including accountants, are vital in transitioning societies from a hierarchical structure to a more egalitarian model.
• 😀 Accountants play a crucial role as agents of social change, advocating for a better future and influencing public opinion.
• 😀 Social inequality remains a pressing issue in Indonesia, worsened since the 1998 reforms, necessitating effective democratic processes.
• 😀 There is a high dependency on foreign entities for goods and services in Indonesia, highlighting the need for self-sufficiency and industrialization.
• 😀 Corruption is described as a cultural issue in Indonesia, indicating a need for a fundamental shift towards ethical practices and good governance.
• 😀 Accountants contribute to value creation by enhancing productivity and efficiency in industries such as agriculture through effective resource management.
• 😀 The governance role of accountants includes improving internal controls and educating society on governance best practices.
• 😀 Accountants can promote social accountability through responsible tax practices and ensuring public funds are used effectively.
• 😀 The call to action for accountants is to address Indonesia's fundamental challenges by advocating for social justice, independence, and cultural integrity.

Q & A

What is one characteristic of modern society according to Professor Johnson?

One characteristic of modern society is the development of various professions and professionals.

What are the three strategic roles played by professionals in modern society?

The three strategic roles are: (1) being a main structure of the middle class, (2) acting as agents of social change, and (3) serving as social control.

How can professionals help shift Indonesian society from a pyramid to a diamond structure?

Professionals can help promote an egalitarian culture in economics, politics, and law, facilitating a transition towards a more balanced societal structure.

Who are the three parties that can control professionals, and how?

The three parties are: (1) clients, who receive services from professionals, (2) peers in the same profession, and (3) the government, which regulates professional standards.

What major issues does Indonesia face since the 1998 reform?

The major issues include worsening social inequality, high dependence on foreign entities, and acute corruption.

What is the significance of accounting as a profession in Indonesia?

Accounting is one of the oldest professions, essential for knowledge accumulation and societal development since Indonesia's independence in 1945.

What solutions are proposed for social inequality in Indonesia?

The solutions include having a vision and strategy for social justice as outlined in the Pancasila.

How do professionals contribute to social control?

Professionals engage in social control by advocating for ethical practices and accountability in their respective fields.

What is the proposed strategy to address Indonesia's high dependency on foreign powers?

A strong vision of independence and a strategy for industrialization are needed to reduce reliance on foreign goods and services.

What role can accountants play in addressing Indonesia's issues with taxation?

Accountants can improve tax governance by ensuring accurate planning, detection of potential tax revenues, and managing compliance to prevent tax evasion.