Who is Going to Be the Next IAI Chairman?

By: Ersa Tri Wahyuni

Indonesian Institute of Accountants (IIA or IAI) will hold its Quadrennial Congress on the 10th December. The new chairman of IAI will be elected. The estimation of more than 1000 accountants will come and use their right to choose the new leader of IAI.

The leader of IAI for the next four year is very crucial as there are many national agenda for accountants. The IFRS convergence by the year 2012 is one of them. Also some legislation draft (the Bill of Public Accountant Act and The Bill of Financial Reporting Act) regarding the future of accountants are being discussed in the parliament, waiting for ratification very soon. IAI needs a strong leader with a lucid vision to bring the oldest accounting profession in Indonesia to its golden era.

Accountants in Indonesia need to learn the profiles of each candidate to make such an important decision this Friday. This article does not intend to promote one of the candidates, but merely just present their profiles for the readers. I try to be as objective as possible and unbiased with the current information that available.

Based on trusted sources there will be more than 4 candidates to run for IAI Chairman Position and they are (in alphabetical order)

1. Afdal Bahaudin
Graduated Sarjana in Accounting from Padjajaran University in 1984 and MBA from University of Illinois at Urbana Champaign in 1997. Currently he is the Finance Director of PT. Pertamina and previously he was the President Director of PT. Asuransi Tugu Pratama Indonesia.

In my observation he is very serious in his candidacy. His profile flier has been distributed electronically and in hard copies to many voters. He secured support from Indonesian Institute of Management Accountants (IAMI) as well as the alumni of Padjajaran University.

2. Bambang Sudibyo
Although I don’t have any confirmation on whether Bambang Sudibyo is running for IAI Chairman, but from trusted resource I received information that he is going to run for the position. As a former Ministry of Finance, Ministry of Education and also chairman of ISEI (Association of Indonesian Economist), he does not need a long introduction. He is also a Professor in Gadjah Mada University, Yogyakarta. He graduated from Gadjah Mada University (UGM) in 1977, University of North Carolina (MBA) and University of Kentucky (DBA)

In my observation he might be supported by accountant’s academics and UGM alumni.

3. Erick

Graduated from STAN (State College of Accounting), he holds many professional certifications from Accountants, Advocates, Tax Consultant, and investment management. He graduated his Master degree in Management Accounting from University of Indonesia and currently is taking a Phd Program from National University of Malaysia.

His candidacy is confirmed and he is supported by Indonesia Institute of Certified Public Accountant where Erick is also one of member and an officer in the organisation.

4. Mardiasmo

He is the famous author of many accounting and taxation text books. He is Professor in Accounting from Gadjah Mada University where he graduated in accounting from that university in 1977. He earned his Doctorate from University of Birmingham, UK. Currently he is the head of BPKP (The Development and Finance Surveillance Agency).

Although I have not received any confirmation on his candidacy, again from a trusted source, there is a high probability he will be running for IAI-1 position. He might have supports from BPKP employees also alumni of Gadjah Mada University.

5. Other Candidates

Several names are also rumored to run for IAI-1. Those names includes Haryono Umar (Vice Chairman of KPK/Corruption Eradication Commission), Prof. Dr. Ainun Naim (Immediate past chairman of Indonesian Accountant Academics Association), Jusuf Wibisana (Chairman of PWC), Binsar Simanjutak (BPKP) and many more. Again I hold no responsibility of these rumors.


I recommend for all voters to learn more about this candidates from many sources. If you are a register accountant (Ak) and you want to vote, there is still an opportunity to become IAI member before Friday, 10 December 2010. Come to Hotel Kempinski, Thamrin Jakarta and bring your registered accountant certificates and a small amount of money for membership fee. The congress will start on 8 December with many seminars and workshops, but the election will be on December 10th. If you want to attend the Election Day only, it is FREE for IAI members. However if you want to learn from many great speakers and update your knowledge of Accounting, a small investment of IDR 2 millions is required. Trust me, it is a GOOD INVESTMENT.

The IAI Congress is only once every four years!! Don't miss it !!