Main Article Content
Abstract
Purpose: This study aimed to examine the adoption of big data analytics (BDA) in public sector auditing in Indonesia, based on empirical data collected in 2022. The growing use of digital technologies in audit processes is expected to improve effectiveness and efficiency; however, their implementation also demands considerable financial and organizational resources. Thus, it is important to explore both the benefits and challenges of BDA adoption in the public sector context.
Research Method: Data were collected through in-depth semi-structured interviews with eight auditors from IT and non-IT backgrounds. A qualitative approach was used to analyze the data, supported by a big data governance framework.
Results and Discussion: The findings indicate that BDA adoption in Indonesian public-sector auditing remains at an early stage. Although BDA offers opportunities such as improved red-flag detection, full-population analysis, and enhanced audit effectiveness and efficiency, several challenges remain, including platform stability, data accessibility, and human resource readiness.
Implications: This study provides empirical evidence on the processes, opportunities, and challenges of BDA utilization from the perspective of public-sector auditors. Future studies should examine further developments in BDA use in Indonesian public institutions and offer new perspectives through different participants or methods. BPK is expected to prioritize human resource readiness and platform development.
Originality: This study contributes to the limited empirical research on BDA utilization in public sector auditing by presenting insights from auditors’ perspectives.
Keywords
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References
- Aboud, A., & Robinson, B. (2022). Fraudulent financial reporting and data analytics: An explanatory study from Ireland. Accounting Research Journal, 35(1), 21–36. https://doi.org/10.1108/ARJ-04-2020-0079
- Al-Ateeq, B., Sawan, N., Al-Hajaya, K., Altarawneh, M., & Al-Makhadmeh, A. (2022). Big data analytics in auditing and the consequences for audit quality: A study using the technology acceptance model (TAM). Corporate Governance and Organizational Behavior Review, 6(1), 64–78. https://doi.org/10.22495/cgobrv6i1p5
- Andiola, L. M., Brink, A. G., Lynch, E., & Ferguson, J. L. (2019). Client Data Files and Auditor Skepticism: How Do “Dirty” Files Influence Auditors’ Skeptical Judgments and Actions? SSRN Electronic Journal. https://doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.3395571
- Appelbaum, D., Kogan, A., & Vasarhelyi, M. A. (2017). Big Data and Analytics in the Modern Audit Engagement: Research Needs. AUDITING: A Journal of Practice & Theory, 36(4), 1–27. https://doi.org/10.2308/ajpt-51684
- Austin, A. A., Carpenter, T., Christ, M. H., & Nielson, C. (2018). The Data Analytics Transformation: Evidence From Auditors, CFOs, and Standard-Setters. SSRN Electronic Journal. https://doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.3214140
- Balios, D., Kotsilaras, P., Eriotis, N., & Vasiliou, D. (2020). Big Data, Data Analytics and External Auditing. Journal of Modern Accounting and Auditing, 16(5). https://doi.org/10.17265/1548-6583/2020.05.002
- Byrnes, P., Criste, T., Stewart, T., & Vasarhelyi, M. (2014). Re-imagining Auditing in a Wired World. AICPA Assurance Services Executive Committee (ASEC) Emerging Assurance Technologies Task Force.
- Dagiliene, L., & Kloviene, L. (2019). Motivation to use big data and big data analytics in external auditing. Managerial Auditing Journal, 34(7), 750–782. https://doi.org/10.1108/MAJ-01-2018-1773
- De Santis, F., & D’Onza, G. (2021). Big data and data analytics in auditing: In search of legitimacy. Meditari Accountancy Research, 29(5), 1088–1112. https://doi.org/10.1108/MEDAR-03-2020-0838
- Ditkaew, K., & Suttipun, M. (2023). The impact of audit data analytics on audit quality and audit review continuity in Thailand. Asian Journal of Accounting Research, 8(3), 269–278. https://doi.org/10.1108/AJAR-04-2022-0114
- Domeyer, A., Hieronimus, S., Klier, J., & Weber, T. (2021, September 20). Government data management for the digital age. McKinsey & Company. https://www.mckinsey.com/industries/public-sector/our-insights/government-data-management-for-the-digital-age
- Earley, C. E. (2015). Data analytics in auditing: Opportunities and challenges. Business Horizons, 58(5), 493–500. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.bushor.2015.05.002
- Ferry, L., Radcliffe, V. S., & Steccolini, I. (2022). The future of public audit. Financial Accountability & Management, 38(3), 325–336. https://doi.org/10.1111/faam.12339
- Gamage, P. (2016). New development: Leveraging ‘big data’ analytics in the public sector. Public Money & Management, 36(5), 385–390. https://doi.org/10.1080/09540962.2016.1194087
- Gartner. (2016). Big Data. In Gartner. https://www.gartner.com/en/information-technology/glossary/big-data?_its=JTdCJTIydmlkJTIyJTNBJTIyMzg1NTZkYzAtMjZkZi00ZTlhLWE4ZTItODZiMzU4N2Y3ZTU4JTIyJTJDJTIyc3RhdGUlMjIlM0ElMjJybHR%2BMTY4NDU5MDMxN35sYW5kfjJfMTY0NjVfc2VvXzlhY2IwMjk3ZDJmODkwNTZhOGEyMTc3ODg3MmZkOGM0JTIyJTJDJTIyc2l0ZUlkJTIyJTNBNDAxMzElN0Q%3D
- Gepp, A., Linnenluecke, M. K., O’Neill, T. J., & Smith, T. (2018). Big data techniques in auditing research and practice: Current trends and future opportunities. Journal of Accounting Literature, 40(1), 102–115. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.acclit.2017.05.003
- Ghia, A., Langstaff, M., Ware, D., & Wavra, R. (2021, March 18). Accelerating data and analytics transformations in the public sector. McKinsey & Company. https://www.mckinsey.com/industries/public-sector/our-insights/accelerating-data-and-analytics-transformations-in-the-public-sector
- Herath, S. K., & Joshi, P. L. (2023). A Game Changer for Audit Firms. International Journal of Auditing and Accounting Studies, Special Issue on Auditing in the Digital Age, 5(1), 29–48.
- Hezam, Y. A. A., Anthonysamy, L., & Suppiah, S. D. K. (2023). Big Data Analytics and Auditing: A Review and Synthesis of Literature. Emerging Science Journal, 7(2), 629–642. https://doi.org/10.28991/ESJ-2023-07-02-023
- Kend, M., & Nguyen, L. A. (2020). Big Data Analytics and Other Emerging Technologies: The Impact on the Australian Audit and Assurance Profession. Australian Accounting Review, 30(4), 269–282. https://doi.org/10.1111/auar.12305
- Kim, H. Y., & Cho, J.-S. (2018). Data governance framework for big data implementation with NPS Case Analysis in Korea. Journal of Business and Retail Management Research (JBRMR), 12(3).
- Lazarevska, Z. B., Tocev, T., & Dionisijev, I. (2022). How to Improve Performance in Public Sector Auditing Through the Power of Big Data and Data Analytics – The Case of The Republic Of North Macedonia. Journal of Accounting Finance and Auditing Studies (JAFAS), 3. https://doi.org/10.32602/jafas.2022.023
- Merhi, M. I., & Bregu, K. (2020). Effective and efficient usage of big data analytics in public sector. Transforming Government: People, Process and Policy, 14(4), 605–622. https://doi.org/10.1108/TG-08-2019-0083
- Noch, M. Y., & Sonjaya, Y. (2024). Leveraging Governmental Auditing for Strategic Decision-Making and Policy Evaluation. Advances in Managerial Auditing Research, 2(1). https://doi.org/10.60079/amar.v2i1.286
- Pratama, F. W., & Komariyah, E. F. (2023). Examining the Auditors’ Acceptance of Big Data Analytics Technology Platform: Evidence from Government Auditors in Indonesia. 26.
- Rahmanto, F., Pribadi, U., & Priyanto, A. (2021). Big Data: What are the Implications for Public Sector Policy in Society 5.0 Era? IOP Conference Series: Earth and Environmental Science, 717(1), 012009. https://doi.org/10.1088/1755-1315/717/1/012009
- Rozario, A. M., & Issa, H. (2020). Risk-based data analytics in the government sector: A case study for a U.S. county. Government Information Quarterly. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.giq.2020.101457
- Sutisna, E. (2025). Evaluating Security Risks and the Impact of Analytic Technology on the Audit Process. Advances in Managerial Auditing Research, 3(1), 30–43. https://doi.org/10.60079/amar.v3i1.419
- Zam, U. M. A. U. M., Saidin, A. Z., & Hussin, H. (2019). EXPLORING DATA ANALYTICS FOR PUBLIC SECTOR AUDITING. International Journal of Technology Management and Information System, 1(2), 70–80.
- Zam, U. M. A. U. M., Saidin, A. Z., Kartiwi, M., & Mahmud, M. (2021). BIG DATA ANALYTICS IN THE GOVERNMENT: ISSUES CONCERNING PUBLIC SECTOR AUDITING. Journal of Engineering Science and Technology Special Issue on ACSAT, 6(Special Issue), 58–58.
References
Aboud, A., & Robinson, B. (2022). Fraudulent financial reporting and data analytics: An explanatory study from Ireland. Accounting Research Journal, 35(1), 21–36. https://doi.org/10.1108/ARJ-04-2020-0079
Al-Ateeq, B., Sawan, N., Al-Hajaya, K., Altarawneh, M., & Al-Makhadmeh, A. (2022). Big data analytics in auditing and the consequences for audit quality: A study using the technology acceptance model (TAM). Corporate Governance and Organizational Behavior Review, 6(1), 64–78. https://doi.org/10.22495/cgobrv6i1p5
Andiola, L. M., Brink, A. G., Lynch, E., & Ferguson, J. L. (2019). Client Data Files and Auditor Skepticism: How Do “Dirty” Files Influence Auditors’ Skeptical Judgments and Actions? SSRN Electronic Journal. https://doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.3395571
Appelbaum, D., Kogan, A., & Vasarhelyi, M. A. (2017). Big Data and Analytics in the Modern Audit Engagement: Research Needs. AUDITING: A Journal of Practice & Theory, 36(4), 1–27. https://doi.org/10.2308/ajpt-51684
Austin, A. A., Carpenter, T., Christ, M. H., & Nielson, C. (2018). The Data Analytics Transformation: Evidence From Auditors, CFOs, and Standard-Setters. SSRN Electronic Journal. https://doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.3214140
Balios, D., Kotsilaras, P., Eriotis, N., & Vasiliou, D. (2020). Big Data, Data Analytics and External Auditing. Journal of Modern Accounting and Auditing, 16(5). https://doi.org/10.17265/1548-6583/2020.05.002
Byrnes, P., Criste, T., Stewart, T., & Vasarhelyi, M. (2014). Re-imagining Auditing in a Wired World. AICPA Assurance Services Executive Committee (ASEC) Emerging Assurance Technologies Task Force.
Dagiliene, L., & Kloviene, L. (2019). Motivation to use big data and big data analytics in external auditing. Managerial Auditing Journal, 34(7), 750–782. https://doi.org/10.1108/MAJ-01-2018-1773
De Santis, F., & D’Onza, G. (2021). Big data and data analytics in auditing: In search of legitimacy. Meditari Accountancy Research, 29(5), 1088–1112. https://doi.org/10.1108/MEDAR-03-2020-0838
Ditkaew, K., & Suttipun, M. (2023). The impact of audit data analytics on audit quality and audit review continuity in Thailand. Asian Journal of Accounting Research, 8(3), 269–278. https://doi.org/10.1108/AJAR-04-2022-0114
Domeyer, A., Hieronimus, S., Klier, J., & Weber, T. (2021, September 20). Government data management for the digital age. McKinsey & Company. https://www.mckinsey.com/industries/public-sector/our-insights/government-data-management-for-the-digital-age
Earley, C. E. (2015). Data analytics in auditing: Opportunities and challenges. Business Horizons, 58(5), 493–500. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.bushor.2015.05.002
Ferry, L., Radcliffe, V. S., & Steccolini, I. (2022). The future of public audit. Financial Accountability & Management, 38(3), 325–336. https://doi.org/10.1111/faam.12339
Gamage, P. (2016). New development: Leveraging ‘big data’ analytics in the public sector. Public Money & Management, 36(5), 385–390. https://doi.org/10.1080/09540962.2016.1194087
Gartner. (2016). Big Data. In Gartner. https://www.gartner.com/en/information-technology/glossary/big-data?_its=JTdCJTIydmlkJTIyJTNBJTIyMzg1NTZkYzAtMjZkZi00ZTlhLWE4ZTItODZiMzU4N2Y3ZTU4JTIyJTJDJTIyc3RhdGUlMjIlM0ElMjJybHR%2BMTY4NDU5MDMxN35sYW5kfjJfMTY0NjVfc2VvXzlhY2IwMjk3ZDJmODkwNTZhOGEyMTc3ODg3MmZkOGM0JTIyJTJDJTIyc2l0ZUlkJTIyJTNBNDAxMzElN0Q%3D
Gepp, A., Linnenluecke, M. K., O’Neill, T. J., & Smith, T. (2018). Big data techniques in auditing research and practice: Current trends and future opportunities. Journal of Accounting Literature, 40(1), 102–115. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.acclit.2017.05.003
Ghia, A., Langstaff, M., Ware, D., & Wavra, R. (2021, March 18). Accelerating data and analytics transformations in the public sector. McKinsey & Company. https://www.mckinsey.com/industries/public-sector/our-insights/accelerating-data-and-analytics-transformations-in-the-public-sector
Herath, S. K., & Joshi, P. L. (2023). A Game Changer for Audit Firms. International Journal of Auditing and Accounting Studies, Special Issue on Auditing in the Digital Age, 5(1), 29–48.
Hezam, Y. A. A., Anthonysamy, L., & Suppiah, S. D. K. (2023). Big Data Analytics and Auditing: A Review and Synthesis of Literature. Emerging Science Journal, 7(2), 629–642. https://doi.org/10.28991/ESJ-2023-07-02-023
Kend, M., & Nguyen, L. A. (2020). Big Data Analytics and Other Emerging Technologies: The Impact on the Australian Audit and Assurance Profession. Australian Accounting Review, 30(4), 269–282. https://doi.org/10.1111/auar.12305
Kim, H. Y., & Cho, J.-S. (2018). Data governance framework for big data implementation with NPS Case Analysis in Korea. Journal of Business and Retail Management Research (JBRMR), 12(3).
Lazarevska, Z. B., Tocev, T., & Dionisijev, I. (2022). How to Improve Performance in Public Sector Auditing Through the Power of Big Data and Data Analytics – The Case of The Republic Of North Macedonia. Journal of Accounting Finance and Auditing Studies (JAFAS), 3. https://doi.org/10.32602/jafas.2022.023
Merhi, M. I., & Bregu, K. (2020). Effective and efficient usage of big data analytics in public sector. Transforming Government: People, Process and Policy, 14(4), 605–622. https://doi.org/10.1108/TG-08-2019-0083
Noch, M. Y., & Sonjaya, Y. (2024). Leveraging Governmental Auditing for Strategic Decision-Making and Policy Evaluation. Advances in Managerial Auditing Research, 2(1). https://doi.org/10.60079/amar.v2i1.286
Pratama, F. W., & Komariyah, E. F. (2023). Examining the Auditors’ Acceptance of Big Data Analytics Technology Platform: Evidence from Government Auditors in Indonesia. 26.
Rahmanto, F., Pribadi, U., & Priyanto, A. (2021). Big Data: What are the Implications for Public Sector Policy in Society 5.0 Era? IOP Conference Series: Earth and Environmental Science, 717(1), 012009. https://doi.org/10.1088/1755-1315/717/1/012009
Rozario, A. M., & Issa, H. (2020). Risk-based data analytics in the government sector: A case study for a U.S. county. Government Information Quarterly. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.giq.2020.101457
Sutisna, E. (2025). Evaluating Security Risks and the Impact of Analytic Technology on the Audit Process. Advances in Managerial Auditing Research, 3(1), 30–43. https://doi.org/10.60079/amar.v3i1.419
Zam, U. M. A. U. M., Saidin, A. Z., & Hussin, H. (2019). EXPLORING DATA ANALYTICS FOR PUBLIC SECTOR AUDITING. International Journal of Technology Management and Information System, 1(2), 70–80.
Zam, U. M. A. U. M., Saidin, A. Z., Kartiwi, M., & Mahmud, M. (2021). BIG DATA ANALYTICS IN THE GOVERNMENT: ISSUES CONCERNING PUBLIC SECTOR AUDITING. Journal of Engineering Science and Technology Special Issue on ACSAT, 6(Special Issue), 58–58.