Griffith University is to play a key role in the acceleration of bureaucratic reform in Indonesia.
A group of 24 officials from a key regulatory body of the Indonesian government have started a training program at Griffith’s Nathan campus.
The Indonesian Ambassador to Australia, his Excellency Nadjib Riphat Kesoema, said the specially-designed course, which is funded by AusAID through its Australian Leadership Awards Fellowship program, was important and suitable for the implementation of the principles of good government.
“The future of Indonesia is good government and clean governance,” he said when he attended the launch in Brisbane.
His Excellency highlighted Griffith University’s “important contribution” to Indonesia’s future through the program. He listed an improvement in the quality of public service and the elimination of corruption among the potential future benefits from the program in Indonesia.
The program was designed by Professor Peter Best at the Griffith Business School for officials from the Badan Pengawasan Keuangan dan Pembangunan (BPKP), the Financial and Development Supervisory Board of the Indonesian government. The program’s management has been facilitated by the International Business Development Unit.
Welcoming the visiting party, Pro Vice Chancellor (Business), Professor Michael Powell said it was a privilege for Griffith University to host such a high-level group of government officials.
“Griffith University recognises the need for bureaucratic reform to improve capability for good governance. Reform can reduce barriers to business development while protecting integrity and environment,” he said.
Griffith University was the first university in Australia to develop a program around Asian studies in the 1970s, a platform the university has consistently built on.
“We have a strong historic commitment to Asia and we are looking at ways to enhance and strengthen our engagement with Asia going forward,” Professor Powell said.
“We are very aware of the need to develop our contributions to Asia and be part of the Asian Century as laid out in the Government White Paper. This program represents a wonderful opportunity to develop close and lasting linkages and partnerships with our friends in Indonesia.”
The launch was also attended by the secretary general and directors of the BPKP, which is a key government institution overseeing bureaucratic reform in Indonesia. Representatives of the Griffith Business School, Griffith International, the Institute of Internal Auditors Australia and Trade and Investment Queensland were also present.
The visiting group will combine theory and practice through lectures and site visits before returning to Indonesia to adapt their knowledge for its implementation in the context of Indonesia’s institutional environment. As the national internal audit office, BPKP plays a role in undertaking assurance and consulting activities to add value and improve the government activities.