Strengthening the Capacity of the Ministry of Settlements and Regional Infrastructure to Combat Fraud and Corruption

In 2003 Cowater undertook this USD 467 000 project with the Ministry of Settlements and Regional Infrastructure (MSRI), one of the Indonesias largest Ministries in terms of budget and procurement. This large amount of public spending created a heightened risk of fraud and corruption and Cowater worked with the Inspector Generals Office of MSRI, which was responsible for internal audit activities, to improve its capabilities to combat fraud and corruption in both the areas of operational auditing and forensic auditing. This included a thorough analysis of the Governments policies and procedures; development of an operational audit manual; improvement of information technology facilities and training to audit more effectively; improving public awareness; and training activities, leading to strengthened internal audit capacities at MSRI and stronger controls and accountability of public spending and procurement in one of Indonesias largest government institutions.