Friso Palilingan

For Friso Palilingan, Senior Partner at PKF Indonesia FP Group, leadership is built on integrity, continuous learning, and creating opportunities for others to grow. Over the past decade, he has helped strengthen PKF Indonesia's position as one of the country's leading professional services firms by advancing audit quality, expanding strategic advisory services, and embracing digital transformation in an increasingly dynamic business environment.

His leadership philosophy"Rise by lifting others" has shaped both his professional journey and the culture within the firm. By investing in people and encouraging shared success, Friso believes organizations become stronger, more resilient, and better prepared for future challenges.

‍Building Through Resilience

Friso's leadership journey was shaped by adversity. The economic crises of 1998 and 2008, which led to the collapse of his family's business, taught him resilience, adaptability, and the importance of long-term thinking. Those experiences inspired him to build a career focused not only on professional excellence but also on creating sustainable opportunities for others.

In 2013, he founded FP Group, which later integrated with PKF Indonesia. Starting with limited resources in a highly competitive market, Friso Palilingan and his team focused on strengthening professional capabilities, investing in technology, and expanding service offerings. At the time, PKF Indonesia was ranked below Indonesia's top 10 accounting firms. Through consistent growth and a strong commitment to quality, the firm has since grown to become one of the Top 7 accounting firms in Indonesia, providing audit, advisory, and consulting services to clients across various industries.

Raising Professional Standards

Throughout his career, Friso has been committed to promoting internationally recognized audit and financial advisory standards while ensuring they remain relevant to Indonesia's evolving business landscape. He believes audit should go beyond compliance by helping organizations improve governance, strengthen risk management, and build greater confidence among stakeholders.

Alongside strengthening audit practices, he has also contributed to expanding advisory services into areas such as corporate finance, technology and risk advisory, and business consulting, providing organizations with practical strategic guidance to support sustainable growth.

‍Driving Governance and Digital Transformation

Recognizing the changing needs of businesses, Friso has encouraged the adoption of digital systems that improve operational efficiency, project management, and performance measurement within the firm. These initiatives have helped modernize internal processes while enabling professionals to deliver greater value to clients.

He also advocates for governance frameworks that promote transparency, accountability, ethical leadership, and sound decision-making. His approach reflects the belief that good governance is not simply a regulatory requirement, but an essential foundation for long-term business success.

 Developing Future Leaders

People development remains one of Friso's strongest priorities. Through coaching, mentoring, and meaningful delegation, he encourages professionals to develop both technical expertise and leadership capabilities.

A significant milestone came in 2020 with the appointment of new partners and associate partners, reflecting his belief that sustainable organizations are built by continuously developing future leaders. For Friso, leadership is measured not only by business achievements but also by the ability to empower others to succeed.

‍Creating Value Beyond Business

Friso believes professional success should be accompanied by a positive contribution to society. Under his leadership, PKF Indonesia launched the FP Group Giving Back to Society initiative during the COVID-19 pandemic, committing a portion of the firm's revenue to charitable organizations and community support.

The firm also continues to invest in internship opportunities and professional development for university students, reflecting its commitment to nurturing future talent while supporting broader Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles.

Looking Ahead

As technology continues to reshape the accounting profession, Friso believes future leaders must embrace innovation while preserving critical thinking, ethics, and professional judgment. His commitment to continuous learning and developing people reflects his belief that leadership is an ongoing responsibility rather than a destination.

Through his contributions to audit quality, financial advisory, governance, digital modernization, and professional mentorship, Friso Palilingan continues to support the advancement of Indonesia's professional services industry. His collaborative approach and commitment to excellence have helped strengthen institutions, develop future leaders, and contribute to a more resilient and sustainable business environment across Indonesia and the wider Asian region.