PRESS RELEASE

Bangkok, Wednesday (September 18, 2024) – The Audit Board of the Republic of Indonesia (BPK) and the State Audit Office of the Kingdom of Thailand (SAO) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to strengthen commitment and collaboration in public sector audits, as well as open a new era of synergy and cooperation between the two institutions. The MoU was signed by the Chair of BPK, Isma Yatun, and the Auditor General of SAO Thailand, Mr. Monthien Charoenpol, at the SAO Thailand office in Bangkok today (18/9).

Following the MoU signing, a bilateral meeting was held to discuss shared knowledge, including insights into how cultural differences affect audit methods. BPK presented the findings of an initial study on the impact of cultural diversity on audit implementation at its regional offices, along with proposed solutions. In turn, SAO Thailand shared its experience in designing performance audit programs, using case studies in public services.

"Through this bilateral discussion, both SAIs are expected to gain valuable experience from each other, broaden areas of cooperation, and develop innovative solutions in public audit and oversight. The results of this discussion are also expected to strengthen partnership between BPK RI and SAO Thailand, as well as provide a broad positive impact for us," explained Isma Yatun during a courtesy meeting with President of the State Audit Commission General, Chanathap Indamra, as the Head of the commissioner who provides counsel to the Auditor General of SAO Thailand.

The friendly relationship between BPK RI and SAO Thailand has been established since both institutions became members of the Asian Organization of Supreme Audit Institutions (ASOSAI) and co-founders of the ASEAN Supreme Audit Institutions (ASEANSAI).

In 2023, SAO Thailand conducted a visit to BPK RI as part of a Study Visit and Cooperation Exchange, held from August 28–31, 2023. This visit proved beneficial to both institutions, particularly in enhancing knowledge, sharing insights, and learning lessons in areas such as audit training and education, audits during the Covid-19 pandemic, SAI foresight, information technology utilization, and adapting to the new normal.

The meeting held on September 18–19, 2024, serves as a follow-up to these visits, reaffirming the commitment of both BPK and SAO Thailand to strengthen bilateral cooperation, particularly in audit development and institutional capacity-building.

Public Relations and International Cooperation Bureau