Pemeriksaan Akuntansi Berbasis Akrual

Summary

The transcript discusses the transition from cash-based to accrual-based accounting in Indonesian regional governments. The aim is to improve transparency and meet international accounting standards, especially for foreign investors and donors. It highlights the importance of accurate asset depreciation, risk management, and the need for proper monitoring of public infrastructure, such as bridges and buildings. The speaker also touches on the challenges faced by local governments, such as delayed financial reports, a lack of skilled accountants, and varying accounting policies between regions, which hinder progress compared to the central government.

Takeaways

• 😀 The shift from cash-based to accrual accounting was driven by international accounting standards and the need for transparency in global finance.
• 😀 International organizations and investors expect Indonesia to adopt accounting practices that are internationally acceptable, ensuring more comprehensive and detailed financial information.
• 😀 Cash flow does not necessarily reflect all liabilities or obligations, as some liabilities may exist even before cash is disbursed, requiring better funding sources from local governments.
• 😀 Assets previously were not required to be depreciated, which could mislead the public by showing inflated values of public assets such as bridges and buildings.
• 😀 Using accrual accounting helps local governments assess the actual condition of assets, such as bridges nearing their lifespan, and plan for necessary maintenance or replacement.
• 😀 Without proper depreciation and understanding of asset lifespans, there is a risk of hazardous infrastructure, like bridges or buildings, which could become dangerous due to lack of maintenance.
• 😀 The adoption of accrual accounting helps improve financial transparency and reduce the risk of misleading asset valuations, making it easier to identify and address safety issues in public infrastructure.
• 😀 As of 2013, only 33% of local governments (Pemda) received a 'WTP' (unqualified) audit opinion from the BPK (Audit Board of Indonesia), reflecting ongoing challenges in local government financial management.
• 😀 Local governments face delays in submitting audited financial reports to the BPK, with some regions in eastern Indonesia being slower, leading to delayed audits and reports.
• 😀 The central government has made significant progress, with 64% of national-level financial reports receiving 'WTP' opinions, while local governments lag behind due to their complexity and decentralized nature.
• 😀 Local governments have more complex financial structures, with each Pemda managing its own accounting policies and financial reporting systems, making consistency and oversight more difficult.
• 😀 The Ministry of Home Affairs cannot directly oversee local government finances as easily as in the past, due to local governments having more autonomy in determining accounting policies and financial management systems.

Q & A

Why is Indonesia transitioning from a cash-based accounting system to an accrual-based system?

Indonesia is transitioning to an accrual-based accounting system to improve transparency, especially in relation to international financial transactions, loans, and investments. This shift aims to provide a more accurate and comprehensive financial picture, including obligations and liabilities that might not be immediately visible in a cash-based system.

What are the key benefits of accrual accounting over cash-based accounting?

Accrual accounting offers a more complete and reliable financial report. It recognizes both revenues and expenses when they occur, providing a clearer picture of financial health, including outstanding liabilities and assets, which is crucial for public safety and infrastructure management.

How does the lack of accrual accounting affect the management of public infrastructure?

Without accrual accounting, the condition and useful life of public infrastructure, such as bridges and buildings, may be overlooked. For example, a bridge might appear in good financial standing if not depreciated, even though it may be deteriorating, posing a safety risk to the public.

What does the shift to accrual accounting mean for transparency in government finances?

The shift to accrual accounting increases transparency by providing a more accurate and complete picture of the government's financial position, including liabilities and assets. This helps international investors, donors, and stakeholders trust that the government's finances are properly managed and disclosed.

What challenges are faced by local governments (Pemda) in implementing accrual accounting?

Local governments face several challenges, including a lack of qualified accountants, inconsistent implementation of accounting policies across regions, delays in financial reporting, and difficulties in adapting to accrual accounting standards due to decentralization and autonomy in financial decision-making.

What is the significance of the WTP (Unqualified Opinion) from the Supreme Audit Agency (BPK)?

The WTP (Unqualified Opinion) is an indicator of sound financial reporting. It means that the financial statements are accurate and comply with accounting standards. However, only 33% of local governments received this opinion in 2013, signaling a need for improvement in financial management and reporting.

Why is there a delay in local governments' submission of financial reports to BPK?

Local governments, particularly in the eastern regions, face delays in submitting financial reports to BPK due to various challenges, including a lack of resources, a shortage of qualified accountants, and issues with financial data collection and processing.

How does decentralization affect the monitoring of local government finances?

Decentralization allows local governments to make their own accounting policy decisions, which can lead to inconsistency across regions. The Ministry of Home Affairs (Kementerian Dalam Negeri) faces challenges in directly overseeing local government finances, making it harder to ensure uniformity in financial practices.

What role does the Ministry of Home Affairs (Kementerian Dalam Negeri) play in local government financial management?

The Ministry of Home Affairs is responsible for overseeing local government finances but faces limitations due to decentralization. It cannot directly monitor or enforce financial practices at the local level as local governments have the autonomy to establish their own accounting policies.

How does the financial reporting of local governments compare to the central government?

The central government has a more unified and centralized financial reporting system, with a single agency (Kementerian Keuangan) managing it. In contrast, local governments are required to manage their own financial systems, which can lead to discrepancies in how financial reports are prepared and submitted, resulting in a slower adoption of accrual accounting.