Indonesian Journal of Taxation and Accounting
Vol 4, No 2 (2026): June 2026

Strengthening Public Sector Fraud Prevention Through Internal Control, Good Governance, and Whistleblowing Systems: Evidence from North Sumatra

Henny Zurika Lubis (Universitas Muhammadiyah Sumatera Utara)
Debbi Chyntia Ovami (Universitas Al-Washliyah Muslim Nusantara)
Esa Setiana (Universitas Negeri Medan)
Hafsah (Universitas Muhammadiyah Sumatera Utara)
Isna Ardila (Universitas Muhammadiyah Sumatera Utara)



Article Info

Publish Date
27 Jun 2026

Abstract

Purpose - This study examines whether internal control, good governance, and whistleblowing systems strengthen fraud prevention at the North Sumatra Provincial Inspectorate. The study responds to the need for an integrated public sector anti-fraud model within a regional government supervisory institution. Methods - This study used a quantitative explanatory design. Primary data were collected through structured questionnaires distributed to 41 internal auditors at the North Sumatra Provincial Inspectorate. The sample was selected using proportionate stratified random sampling. The data were analyzed using Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling with SmartPLS 4.0. Findings - The results indicate that internal control has a positive and significant effect on fraud prevention (β = 0.457; t = 3.682; p < 0.001). Similarly, good governance has a positive and significant effect on fraud prevention (β = 0.468; t = 3.720; p < 0.001). In contrast, the whistleblowing system shows a positive but statistically insignificant effect on fraud prevention (β = 0.098; t = 0.900; p = 0.368). Overall, the model explains 86.3% of the variance in fraud prevention. Research implications - The findings indicate that fraud prevention in public sector institutions depends more strongly on effective internal control and accountable governance than on the formal existence of reporting channels alone. Therefore, public institutions should strengthen control procedures, governance practices, whistleblower protection, and follow-up mechanisms. Originality - This study contributes to the fraud prevention literature by integrating internal control, good governance, and whistleblowing systems into one SEM-PLS model in the context of a regional public supervisory institution. It also supports agency theory and contingency theory in explaining how institutional control mechanisms shape fraud prevention.

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Journal Info

Abbrev

IJOTA

Publisher

Subject

Economics, Econometrics & Finance Social Sciences

Description

1. Taxation Tax Policy and Fiscal Policy Tax Compliance and Tax Administration Tax Planning and Tax Avoidance Corporate Taxation International Taxation Digital Taxation and Tax Technology Behavioral Aspects in Tax Compliance 2. Financial Accounting and Reporting Financial Reporting Standards ...