Banten Province Secures 10th Consecutive Unqualified Audit Opinion as Governor Andra Soni Affirms Commitment to Accountable Financial Management

The Banten Provincial Government has secured its 10th consecutive Unqualified Audit Opinion (WTP) from the Indonesian Audit Board (BPK). The BPK also commended Banten for exceeding the national target in following up on audit recommendations. The BPK noted this reflects the local government’s commitment to transparency, efficiency, effectiveness, and targeted financial management, urging other regional leaders to follow suit. Governor Andra Soni stated that the WTP confirms the provincial finances have been presented fairly in all material respects in accordance with government accounting standards, adequate disclosures, compliance with regulations, and effective internal controls. ‘However, we fully recognise that WTP is not the end goal but a tool to continuously improve good governance, transparency, and accountability,’ Soni said during the parliamentary session on the BPK’s audit report for the 2025 financial year at the Banten Provincial DPRD building in Serang City on Monday (25 May 2026). Senior Commissioner Bobby Adhityo Rizaldi, Director General of National Financial Audit Widhi Widayat, and BPK Banten Representative Firman Nurcahyadi attended the session. Soni signed the audit report and received the financial statement audit results from the BPK. According to Soni, the success is not solely due to the provincial government’s efforts but the result of collaboration among all stakeholders, particularly the constructive oversight, budgeting, and legislative functions of the Banten Provincial DPRD. ‘The DPRD is a strategic partner for all regional agencies, financial managers, internal auditors, and all parties working to maintain accountable and responsible financial management,’ he added. Next, all BPK recommendations and remarks will be taken seriously by the provincial government for prompt implementation in accordance with regulations. Soni stated that an action plan has been prepared to demonstrate commitment to improvements. ‘To ensure effective implementation, we request BPK’s guidance and input to complete all audit follow-ups within 60 days,’ he said. Furthermore, regarding all recommendations, corrections, and improvements in financial reporting, Soni pledged to adhere to all issued guidelines and regulations as strategic references to enhance the quality of provincial financial statements, making them more accountable and measurable. ‘This not only fulfils transparency and accountability in financial management but also serves as a foundation for formulating and implementing government programs, development initiatives, and public services more effectively and efficiently,’ he said. To civil servants in the Banten Provincial Government, Soni urged strengthening integrity culture, improving planning and budgeting, reinforcing internal controls, and ensuring every budgeted rupiah benefits the public, especially as local governance challenges grow more complex. ‘With collaboration, openness, and a service-oriented spirit, we are confident in maintaining and improving this achievement as our accountability to the public for a prosperous, equitable, and corruption-free Banten,’ he said. BPK Senior Commissioner Bobby Adhityo Rizaldi commended Banten’s 10 consecutive WTPs, stating this achievement should motivate all state administrators to enhance accountability and transparency in local financial management and reporting quality. ‘We also commend Banten for exceeding the national 75% target in audit recommendation follow-ups. As of 31 December 2025, 1,595 recommendations (81.34%) have been addressed,’ he said. Based on findings, the BPK recommended that the governor instruct relevant agency heads to ensure proper controls over procurement, construction, infrastructure, and JIJ works. It also called for adequate oversight of inventory management and State Property (BMD) handling. If audit findings are unclear, the DPRD has the right to propose consultations with BPK Banten per regulations, facilitating better coordination for thorough understanding and resolution of issues. ‘Coordination between BPK, local government, and DPRD is vital to ensure national finances are managed efficiently, effectively, and accountably,’ he added.