BELITUNG -- The role of internal audit is no longer limited to assurance functions but is also expected to serve as a driver of innovation and a catalyst for business sustainability as a trusted advisor.
To support this, the Internal Auditors Association (AAI) of the Southern Sumatra region held a National Seminar themed "Good Governance: The Key to Organizational Success in a Changing Environment" at the Tanjung Binga Ballroom, Swissbell Belitung, on June 16–17, 2025.
The event was initiated by PT Timah Tbk and PT Bukit Asam Tbk and was attended by participants from various companies in the Southern Sumatra region, including PT Pupuk Sriwijaya, PT Bukit Multi Investama, PT Timah Investasi Mineral, PT Bumi Sawindo Permai, PT Internasional Prima Coal, PT Bukit Prima Bahari, PT Pelabuhan Bukit Prima, PT Bukit Pembangkit Innovative, PT Satria Bahana Sarana, PT Bukit Energi Servis Terpadu, PT Timah Karya Persada Property, and Bank Sumsel Babel.
The National Seminar featured keynote speakers Dr. Ali Darwin Ak. M.Sc. CSP, Executive Director of the National Center for Corporate Reporting (NCCR), and Dr. Nurdin, Chairman of the Certification Board of the Internal Auditors Association.
Nugraha Nutyasanya, Chairman of the AAI Southern Sumatra Seminar, stated in his opening remarks that the AAI serves as a competency hub for professional practitioners.
“AAI is a platform for auditors, professionals, and academics in Southern Sumatra to enhance the sustainable role of auditors in companies,” he said.
Nugraha also emphasized the importance of strengthening internal audit networks and information sharing.
“I hope auditors continue to strengthen their networks and internal audit insights so they can be implemented effectively in their respective companies,” he added.
Meanwhile, seminar speaker Ali Darwin discussed “Sustainability Governance: Creating Long-Term Value for Stakeholders.”
He explained that internal auditors play a crucial role in integrating Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) aspects. Their responsibilities include evaluating governance and strategic alignment, assessing risk management and strategic opportunities, providing assurance on performance data and measurements, acting as trusted advisors, and serving as agents of change.
In addition, Ali noted that internal auditors also validate the accuracy and completeness of ESG data, assess ESG-related governance, and evaluate ESG risk management.
Ali expressed his hope that seminar participants would gain a shared understanding of the role of internal audit in ensuring the integration of sustainability into business strategy.
“I hope internal auditors develop a unified perception of the concept of sustainability governance, the practical implementation of ESG in strategic industries, and alignment with the latest standards and regulations such as GIAS 2024,” he concluded.
