Supreme audit body, House strive for clean government

JAKARTA (JP): The House of Representatives (DPR) and the Supreme Audit Agency (BPK) agreed on Tuesday to join forces in the drive to develop a clean government that is free from corruption, collusion and nepotism.

The two state institutions expressed their determination to strive for good governance in a cooperation agreement signed by House Speaker Harmoko and BPK Chairman Satrio .B. Joedono.

Under the agreement, BPK will report to DPR the findings of its annual audit of the state budget, its semester audit of state finances and its audits of individual projects.

"The audit reports from BPK will greatly help the House to exercise a more effective control over state finances and the overall implementation of the state budget," Harmoko said after the signing of the agreement.

Different from the Government Comptroller Agency (BPKP) which reports and answers to the government, BPK reports only to the House.

The agreement also details procedures for periodical consultations between BPK and the House about audit reports.

"This agreement shows our joint determination to build a good system of governance," Harmoko added.

The people, he said, have now become more critical of the conduct of the government and want to see state supervisory institutions more vigorous in executing their functions.

The Special Session of the People's Consultative Assembly last month issued a special decree that requires the creation of a system of good governance and a more vigorous drive against corruption, collusion and nepotism which have been proven hallmarks of the bygone Soeharto administration.

"We in the House are now more determined to exercise more vigorous control of the government, and we hope that BPK also will work in the same spirit," Harmoko was quoted by Antara as saying. (vin)