Audit sought for 2004 elections

JAKARTA: The Indonesian Accountants Association (IAI) asked political parties and the General Elections Commission (KPU) to pay serious attention to the audit of campaign funds of political parties contesting the 2004 general election.

The association said in a media conference on Wednesday that the audit should be standardized in accordance with the principles of transparency and public accountability.

According to Law No. 31/2002 and Law No. 12/2003 on political parties, a political party is obliged to submit a financial statement over the use of its campaign funds from the government, which must be audited by a public accountant.

The association said public accountants would only audit their financial reports if they complied with auditing standards.

Currently, more than 250 political parties have registered at the Ministry of Justice and Human Rights. However, only around 50 parties will be eligible to contest the election.--JP