Universitas Terbuka Transforms Public Sector Accounting Curriculum to Meet Global Standards

Universitas Terbuka, South Tangerang, Indonesia – Universitas Terbuka proudly announces the successful execution of the Forum Group Discussion (FGD) for the renovation of the Curriculum in its Public Financial Accounting Program (PS AKP) on Monday, November 27, 2023. This landmark event signifies a forward leap in enhancing the quality of public financial accounting education to meet prevailing global standards and perspectives, aligning with the institution’s vision and mission of world-class excellence.

The core objective of this initiative is to reform the curriculum to align with international benchmarks, particularly the International Public Sector Accounting Standards (IPSAS) and International Educational Standards (IES). This alignment is deemed crucial for preparing graduates to occupy strategic positions and contribute significantly to the enhancement of public accountability, governance, and decentralization, thereby accelerating superior public service delivery.

The event witnessed a diverse and extensive array of attendees, including domestic and international academics, alumni and student representatives, graduate employers, business and industry leaders, and government bodies like the Ministry of Finance, BPKP, and BPK. This mix reflected a broad spectrum of expertise in the field.

Vice Dean of the Faculty of Economics and Business at Universitas Terbuka, Olivia Idrus, S.E., M.Sc., inaugurated the discussion, emphasizing the necessity of a globally benchmarked curriculum: “We are committed to preparing graduates who can contribute to the global order and ensure they remain relevant in the ever-evolving fields of accounting, finance, and economics,” she stated.

Valuable inputs were received from IFAC and ACCA representatives, including Julia Simatupang, who presented a global perspective on public sector accounting. Subsequent benchmarking sessions with international academics provided comparative and innovative insights for the developing curriculum.

Industry representatives shared their views, emphasizing the need for a curriculum incorporating practical skills for immediate workplace application. “The new curriculum should include practical skills that can be directly applied at work, making graduates valuable assets for the industry,” commented Rahmadi Murwanto, Ak., MAcc., MBA, Ph.D., a graduate employer.

The FGD brought together thoughts and suggestions from leading figures in public financial accounting. Discussions focused on integrating the curriculum with the 8 IES standards, encompassing technical, professional competencies, and ethical values. Topics also included adapting to emerging global challenges and potentials, such as circular economies, sustainability, and the impact of AI in public financial accounting.

A crucial point in the FGD was the emphasis on developing a curriculum that is not only of high quality but also relevant and sustainable in the long term. The Public Financial Accounting Program at Universitas Terbuka is dedicated to producing graduates who excel academically and are prepared to face global challenges, contributing significantly to the public accounting sector.

This event reflects Universitas Terbuka’s commitment to providing high-quality education that meets global market needs. The updated curriculum will integrate technical, professional, and ethical competencies, preparing graduates to lead in public organizations at both central and local government levels, and other public entities.

The success of this FGD marks a significant step for Universitas Terbuka in achieving its vision and mission as an educational institution actively contributing to the global landscape, supported by the latest technology and educational innovations. The Public Financial Accounting Program hopes this update will elevate the standard of public sector accounting education in Indonesia and prepare graduates to compete internationally.