The development of concepts and practical realities of the role of public accountants in good governance has become an increasingly hot topic for discussion in recent years. Moreover, many countries in Asia and Africa are getting many demands from stakeholders to work more effectively, efficiently, and accountably in using all public resources (Polidano & Hulme, 1999; Boex and Martinez-Vazquez, 2006; Everett, 2003). Neu and Rahaman, 2007; Rahaman, 2009). These demands arise due to the effects of globalization, dissatisfaction with inefficient government performance, dissatisfaction with strategic policies that are deemed ineffective, and the issue of corruption growing (Olowu, 1999; Rahaman, 2009).

Seeing this phenomenon, the Faculty of Economics, the University of Islam Malang, in collaboration with IAI (Indonesian Accountants Association) East Java Region, Greater Malang Commissariat, held an international seminar with the theme "Public Sector of Accounting and Governance" with Prof. Kelum Jayasinghe, Ph.D. who is Professor of Accounting from the Essex Business School (EBS) at the University of Essex, United Kingdom. This event was held on Wednesday, August 23, 2017, starting at 12.00 – 15.00 WIB at Abdurahman Wahid Hall, Postgraduate Building lt. 7, University of Islam Malang.

The event was opened by the Chancellor of the University of Islam Malang, Prof. Dr. Maskuri, M.Si. In his brief remarks, he appreciated all elements of the Faculty of Economics at the University of Islam Malang. They are always tireless to innovate in presenting quality products for the advancement of the University of Islam Malang. Separately, the Dean of the Faculty of Economics, University of Islam Malang, Nur Diana, SE., M.Si., stated that the implementation of this international seminar was a form of concern for the Faculty of Economics, the University of Islam Malang in supporting and providing the latest insights regarding the realization of good governance. Good and accountable. Not only that, through the presentation of Prof. Kelum Jayasinghe, Ph.D., it is also seen that there is a shift in the trend in the realization of good governance in the government environment where the NPM (New Public Management) and NPFM (New Public Financial Management) reforms have failed in many countries in Asia and Africa.

In his presentation, Prof. Kelum Jayasinghe, Ph.D. himself, explained that the NPM and NPFM reforms had failed in Asian and African countries. His research results indicate that public sector accounting reform, accountability, and auditing in Asian and African countries will be successful if supported by the high involvement of local agents. Based on his research, there are strong indications that the role of government accountants (especially for countries in Asia and Africa) is increasingly crucial in realizing good governance in the future (Adhikari & Jayasinghe, 2016).

No less than 500 participants attended this event, who came from (not only) internally the University of Islam Malang but also representatives of IAI membership, researchers, lecturers, undergraduate and postgraduate students from several state universities, private universities, and universities from all over East Java. The seminar ended with a question-and-answer session, which all participants enthusiastically welcomed.

---

News Release