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Empowering Future-Ready Accountants: Building Trust and Integrity in a Digital World
13 November 2025 - Siaran Pers
In an era defined by digital acceleration, geopolitical shifts, and global sustainability demands, the accounting profession stands at a historic crossroads. The rapid evolution of technology has reshaped business operations and redefined what it means to be an accountant, from record-keepers to guardians of trust and strategic advisors in a complex and interconnected world.
This vision came to life at the Aspiring Professional Accountants Festival (APAFest) 2025, organized by the Institute of Indonesia Chartered Accountants (IAI) in Jakarta as part of the global celebration of International Accounting Day. The event was a commemoration of the profession’s vital contribution to transparency and accountability, as well as a forward-looking platform to shape the next generation of accountants, those who will uphold integrity, innovation, and public trust in navigating Indonesia’s sustainable economic transformation.
Under the theme “Future-Ready Accountants: Navigating Global Challenges,” APAFest 2025 showcased how young accountants are preparing to take on strategic roles in a world defined by digital disruption, sustainability imperatives, and governance challenges.
Redefining the Role of Accountants in the Future Economy
IAI President Ardan Adiperdana emphasized that the profession is undergoing a profound transformation. “Accountants of the future are no longer just number crunchers,” he said. “They must be strategic advisors, guardians of trust, and difference-makers in navigating an increasingly dynamic global economy.”
According to Ardan, accountants must embrace a new skillset that combines technical competence, digital fluency, ethical judgment, and a sustainability mindset. This vision aligns closely with the International Federation of Accountants (IFAC) framework, which highlights the importance of adaptability, public interest orientation, and continuous learning in shaping the accountants of tomorrow.
As businesses face growing expectations for environmental and social accountability, the accountant’s role extends far beyond compliance. “Professionals must bridge financial and non-financial information to deliver insights that strengthen trust and enable sustainable value creation,” Ardan noted.
Trust: The Core of the Profession
Echoing this message, Akhsanul Khaq, Member of the Board of Audit (BPK RI) and IAI Supervisory Council, underscored that trust remains the profession’s most vital currency. “Trust is the essence of the accounting profession, it underpins the credibility of financial reports and public governance,” he said.
He also highlighted the significance of Government Regulation No. 43 of 2025 on Financial Reporting, a milestone in Indonesia’s effort to modernize its financial reporting ecosystem. The regulation mandates that every financial report must be prepared by competent, experienced, and ethical professionals, reaffirming the central role of accountants in safeguarding credibility in the digital era.
“Technology is an enabler,” Akhsanul added, “but credibility depends on people, on accountants with integrity.”
A Platform for Growth, Collaboration, and Inspiration
Beyond its competitive spirit, APAFest serves as a national platform for developing accounting talent and fostering professional readiness among Indonesia’s youth. The event featured a diverse range of activities, including Corporate Partner Visits, Webinar Series, and a Video Reels Challenge, which connected students with business leaders and practitioners to learn from real-world experiences.
Through collaboration with global partners such as Chartered Accountants Worldwide (CAW) and the ASEAN Federation of Accountants (AFA), APAFest also nurtures cross-border dialogue and exposure to international best practices. Participants from leading universities across Indonesia had the opportunity to engage with professional mentors and thought leaders, bridging academia with the practical realities of the profession.
The Grand Final celebration was attended by prominent national and international figures, including Prof. Moermahadi Soerja Djanegara, Prof. Mardiasmo, Sophia Wattimena, Ainslie van Onselen, and Ignasius Jonan, reflecting a strong multi-stakeholder commitment to advancing the profession’s relevance and global connectivity.
The Next Chapter for Indonesia’s Accountants
As IAI looks toward the future, it continues to uphold its mission of developing accountants who are both future-ready and ethically grounded. The organization’s initiatives, from sustainability reporting standards to professional development programs, are designed to strengthen the profession’s contribution to national growth and global progress.
In his closing message at APAFest 2025, Ardan reminded participants of the deeper purpose behind the profession:
“The accounting profession is not merely about numbers, it is about upholding public trust, promoting integrity, and building a sustainable future for our nation.”
This year’s celebration, which coincided with Indonesia’s Heroes Day, symbolically reinforced that the nation’s future accountants must be the trustkeepers, modern heroes who uphold ethics, professionalism, and accountability in building a resilient and competitive Indonesia.
Looking Ahead: A Call for Reflection
As Indonesia continues its journey toward a sustainable and transparent economy, IAI believes that accountants will remain at the center of this transformation, enabling trust, guiding responsible decision-making, and strengthening institutions that serve the public interest.
But as technology accelerates and expectations rise, one question remains for all of us in the global profession: How can we continue to nurture trust and integrity as the defining values of accounting in an increasingly digital and disrupted world?
