Kategori: s1_ep

To provide a real-world perspective on public policy—particularly at the local government level—45 of sixth-semester students from the Development Economics Program, Faculty of Economics and Business (FEB), Universitas Sebelas Maret (UNS), took part in a Field Study Lecture (Kuliah Kunjungan Lapangan/KKL) on Tuesday, 17 June 2025, at the Sukoharjo Regency Government Office.

This activity is part of the learning program for two courses: Public Policy Analysis and Public Economics II, taught by Ariyanto Adhi Nugroho, SE., M.Ec.Dev., MAPPI (Cert), a lecturer at FEB UNS. “Through this field study, students are expected to learn directly from public policy actors—not just through theories and literature. This is undoubtedly a valuable experience for students, especially as they can engage directly with the Vice Regent, department heads, and other relevant officials,” explained Ariyanto.

The activity was warmly welcomed by the Vice Regent of Sukoharjo, Eko Sapto Purnomo, SE. In his address, he stated that the current generation is working toward the vision of Indonesia Emas 2045. One of the ways to achieve this is by expanding access to education, including through initiatives like this field study. Students can learn how policies are formulated at the regional level. At the same time, students can also contribute through their research, offering insights and solutions to current issues.

He also highlighted the rapid development of Sukoharjo Regency. With a complex regional profile that includes rural, urban, and metropolitan areas, it demands policies that are both precise and contextually appropriate.

The event concluded with an open discussion session, allowing students to pose questions directly to department heads or their representatives. Among the most discussed topics were waste management, the digitalisation of Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), and local innovations in addressing societal challenges.

Prof. Dr. Supriyono, M.Si., was inaugurated on February 11, 2025, as the 25th Professor at the Faculty of Economics and Business (FEB) and the 347th at Universitas Sebelas Maret (UNS). The inauguration ceremony was held at the GPH Haryo Mataram Auditorium, UNS. He was conferred the title of Professor in the field of Conservation Economics, delivering an inaugural speech titled “Stakeholder Conservation Awareness as the Foundation for Sustainable Development Planning.”
In his address, Prof. Supriyono emphasized that conservation is a vital element in supporting sustainable development, which integrates economic, social, and environmental dimensions. Uncontrolled exploitation of natural resources, he noted, threatens ecosystem sustainability and adversely affects human well-being. Sustainable development is not solely focused on economic growth but also on ensuring environmental preservation for future generations.
“The success of conservation efforts depends on the involvement of multiple parties, including the government, private sector, communities, and international institutions. Multi-stakeholder collaboration is necessary to develop inclusive and sustainable policies. The government plays a central role in formulating regulations and allocating resources, while the private sector contributes through innovation and corporate social responsibility,” he explained.
Sustainable development is built upon three key pillars: economic, social, and environmental. The economic dimension emphasizes resource efficiency and the advancement of green technologies; the social dimension focuses on equity and community well-being; and the environmental dimension prioritizes ecosystem preservation through prudent management of natural resources.
Soil and water conservation are key priorities within sustainable development initiatives. Practices such as terracing, watershed rehabilitation, and efficient irrigation technologies have proven effective in reducing land degradation and addressing clean water scarcity. Case studies in Indonesia demonstrate the success of land rehabilitation and water management programs rooted in community participation.
Ecosystem conservation—particularly of forests and wetlands—plays a critical role in mitigating climate change. Well-preserved ecosystems can absorb carbon dioxide and help reduce the impact of global warming. These efforts contribute directly to the achievement of global goals, including Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 13: Climate Action.

Prof. Bhimo Rizky Samudro, S.E., M.Si., Ph.D., was formally inaugurated as Professor of Political Economy at the Faculty of Economics and Business (FEB), Universitas Sebelas Maret (UNS), on Wednesday, February 12, 2025, at the GPH Haryo Mataram Auditorium, UNS.
In his inaugural address, Prof. Bhimo raised a critical theme regarding the phenomenon of pseudo-civilization and its implications for national economic sovereignty. His lecture, titled “Pseudo-Civilization and National Economic Sovereignty”, explored how civilization can become superficial when it merely takes the form of systemic and institutional constructs without deeper substance.
He argued that for Indonesia, the presence of pseudo-civilization has resulted in structural dependency on external factors such as foreign debt, foreign direct investment, and international consulting agencies. This condition has led to a diminished capacity for sovereign economic policymaking and heightened economic uncertainty due to global pressures.
Indonesia, according to Prof. Bhimo, continues to face challenges in harnessing and developing its local potential. National elites often exhibit a stronger inclination toward adopting international economic consensus rather than reinforcing the country’s economic sovereignty—particularly in the context of inter-state economic relations.
Prof. Bhimo concluded his address by asserting that pseudo-civilization has contributed significantly to dependency and economic uncertainty in developing countries such as Indonesia. Addressing this issue requires strategic efforts to mitigate its adverse effects while simultaneously strengthening national economic sovereignty.
Such transformation—both ideological and operational—demands active engagement at all levels, from individuals to institutions. It is also essential to maintain a careful balance between economic and non-economic dimensions in order to achieve a more equitable and sustainable form of national welfare.

Two faculty members from the Faculty of Economics and Business (FEB), Universitas Sebelas Maret (UNS), Lukman Hakim, S.E., M.Si., Ph.D., and Bhimo Rizky Samudro, S.E., M.Si., Ph.D., served as invited speakers in the Book Talk entitled ‘Evolusi Ekonomi Kota Solo (The Evolution of Solo’s Economy)’ on Wednesday, 11 December 2024. The event took place at the Suhardi Hall of FEB UNS and was organized by the Regional Office of the Indonesian Economic Scholars Association (ISEI) in Surakarta. More than 100 participants attended the session, including members of GenBI (Generasi Baru Indonesia), a student organization of Bank Indonesia scholarship recipients committed to becoming role models, agents of change, and frontliners in disseminating information from Bank Indonesia to the public.

In his presentation, Bhimo Rizky Samudro explained that ‘Evolusi Ekonomi Kota Solo’ was a collaborative publication authored by Lukman Hakim, Hery Sulistyo JNS, Mulyanto, Soejatno Kartodirjo, and others. The book explores Solo’s economic development over time, highlighting how the city’s economy has changed through the integration of traditional and modern elements.

“This book describes the economic movement of Solo from the colonial period, the post-independence era, and into globalization and modernization. It also shows the local impacts of modernization,” stated Dr. Bhimo.

The book also outlines Solo’s economic history during the colonial period, particularly focusing on agriculture, such as rice and sugarcane, and the significance of batik as a major commodity. It covers infrastructure development during the Dutch period, such as railway construction. Additionally, it discusses the post-independence transformation from 1945 to the 1980s, including the growth of MSMEs in batik and textile sectors, urbanization, and the rise of small-scale industries.

Solo is also positioned as a center of creative economy, marked by cultural festivals such as the Solo Batik Carnival and the revitalization of heritage areas including Pasar Gede and the Palace complex. Bhimo also noted the current challenges and opportunities facing the city: rapid urbanization and environmental pressures on one hand, and the digital transformation of MSMEs and tourism based on tradition on the other. He concluded that Solo has successfully maintained a balance between tradition and modernity, emphasizing the need for collaboration among the government, community, and business sectors.

Dr. Lukman Hakim further elaborated that the book provides an analysis of the city’s economic evolution from the era of the royal kingdom to the current reform era. According to him, there are two main reasons why such a study is necessary. First, Solo holds a distinctive historical position as the seat of power in Javanese civilization. As the capital of the Mataram Islamic Kingdom, Solo has remained an important cultural center and regional trade hub in Indonesia. Second, studying Solo’s economic evolution offers insights into the roots of the city’s development and its transformation into what it is today, as well as a means to envision its future trajectory.

Lukman cited Dorodjatun Kuntjoro-Jakti (2000), who argued that history moves forward—not backward—and that society should neither romanticize the past as a “golden age” nor view it as a “dark era” that burdens the present. Instead, history should serve as a foundation for improving the capacity to anticipate the future.

The event also marked the inauguration of the ISEI UNS Chapter, chaired by Dr. Bhimo Rizky Samudro, Dean of FEB UNS. Additionally, ISEI Surakarta established a youth division, ISEI Muda, to accommodate young economics graduates. Aprilian Tri Setyan Wijaya, S.Ak., was appointed as its first chair.

In his address, Aprilian stated that ISEI Muda is part of the broader ISEI organization, which is a major professional institution committed to advancing Indonesia’s economic resilience and development.“As a branch of ISEI, we in ISEI Muda are focusing on developing young economics alumni in Indonesia, particularly in Solo. We believe that the younger generation holds a strategic role in national economic development—whether through theory, research, or policy implementation with direct societal impact. On behalf of my fellow members, I would like to share our vision, mission, and goals for the future,” he explained.

ISEI Muda’s vision includes three key initiatives. First, enhancing the role of ISEI Muda as a platform to sharpen members’ capabilities and skills. In this fast-changing era, economic challenges and opportunities are constantly evolving. Therefore, the younger generation must equip themselves with relevant knowledge and adaptive skills. Through seminars, discussions, training, and collaborative research, ISEI Muda aims to create learning opportunities and drive innovation.

Second, ISEI Muda plans to expand its network, both with local youth organizations in Solo and at the national level. Young economists should have broader access to information and become a bridge connecting academia, the workforce, and public policy.

Third, ISEI Muda will actively engage in current socio-economic issues, from economic inequality and digital transformation to sustainability. The organization seeks to contribute with creative and forward-thinking perspectives.

“No journey can succeed without the support and encouragement of many parties, especially from our senior members in ISEI and our beloved FEB UNS. Therefore, I invite everyone to support and contribute to ISEI. I express my gratitude to the Solo Chapter for providing us with a strong foundation. We kindly ask for your blessings and support so that ISEI Muda may continue to contribute, bring renewed enthusiasm, and create a positive impact on the community, especially in Solo,” he concluded.

Thirty undergraduate students from the Development Economics Study Program (DESP), Faculty of Economics and Business (FEB), Universitas Sebelas Maret (UNS) conducted a field observation visit as part of their “Banking and Financial Institutions” course. The visit took place on Tuesday, December 3, 2024, at the Financial Services Authority (OJK) Office in Solo.
Ayya Agmulia Asmarani Islam, S.E., M.E., the course instructor for “Banking and Financial Institutions,” expressed her appreciation on behalf of the Head of the Development Economics Program, Muhammad Yusuf Indra Purnama, S.E., M.Rech., Ph.D. She extended sincere thanks to OJK Solo for warmly welcoming the students of FEB.
She noted that this visit was not only an academic activity but also a practical step in bridging the gap between classroom theory and real-world practice. The goal is to help students better understand how financial sector supervision contributes to and supports economic growth in Indonesia. Additionally, the session provided essential education about legal and illegal investments to help students avoid fraudulent or illegal schemes.
“Today, we are visiting the OJK Solo office to gain insights and education for our students. I encourage you all to actively participate during this financial literacy session. If you have any questions for the experts from OJK—such as how to avoid illegal investments or what it takes to build a career at OJK—this is the right time to ask. I hope all of you gain valuable insights from today’s experience,” she emphasized.
Susan Diah Kusumaningrun, Head of the Subdivision of Banking Supervision at OJK, welcomed the students and expressed hope that they would gain a deeper understanding of OJK and financial literacy in general. She cited data from the 2024 National Survey on Financial Literacy and Inclusion (SNLIK), which shows that Indonesia’s financial literacy index has reached 65.43%, nearly on par with its financial inclusion index of 75.02%. For comparison, in 2022 the financial literacy rate was at 49.68% while inclusion stood at 85.10%.
“Previously, our financial literacy was around 40%, and now it has reached about 65%, whereas financial inclusion, which used to be at 85%, has decreased to around 75%. These figures show a shift. This year, we see promising progress in literacy—people are becoming more educated,” she noted.
This is an achievement to be proud of. The educational efforts are evidently having an impact on the public. She expressed hope that the students, having received this education, would become extensions of OJK—spreading financial literacy in their communities.
Susan also advised students to be cautious when using digital financial services. She warned them about the rising danger of online gambling, which has already claimed many victims. According to her, gambling does not lead to wealth; instead, it leads to loss. “It might seem like you win at first, but in the end, you’ll lose even more,” she reminded the students.
“One of our hopes from this visit is that you become more aware when encountering investment offers, whether online or offline. You need to critically assess whether the offer make sense. Nothing in life is instant—it takes effort. Learn about the product, check who regulates it, look at the results, and verify whether it’s legitimate. Search online to see if it’s ever been associated with fraud,” she advised.
During the visit, students also received further education on digital finance and internship opportunities at OJK, delivered by several speakers from the institution.

Central Java is one of Indonesia’s major tobacco-producing provinces, alongside East Java, West Nusa Tenggara, West Java, and Aceh. Key tobacco-producing regions in Central Java include Temanggung, Rembang, Magelang, Boyolali, Wonosobo, and Grobogan. According to Central Java Governor Regulation No. 38 of 2021 (Cigarette Excise 2022), the province received IDR 879.96 billion in tobacco excise allocations. This figure increased to IDR 1.2 trillion in 2023 under Regulation No. 38 of 2022 (Cigarette Excise 2023)—an increase of over IDR 327 billion in just one year.
These figures were presented by Malik Cahyadin, S.E., M.Si., Ph.D., a lecturer from the Faculty of Economics and Business (FEB), Universitas Sebelas Maret (UNS), during a discussion forum titled “The Impact of National Regulatory Controversies on the Tobacco Ecosystem in Central Java,” held on Thursday, November 14, 2024, at Kulonuwun Kopi, Solo. Dr. Malik, who teaches in the Development Economics Program, also explained how non-tariff regulations—such as plain cigarette packaging—affect both producer and consumer surplus in the tobacco industry.
“When non-tariff regulations like packaging standardization are enforced, they reduce the producer surplus through a loss in brand valuation. This acts as a disincentive for businesses,” he noted. “At the same time, consumer surplus—linked to product trust and pride, which can be monetarily valued—also tends to decrease.”
He further warned that plain packaging could lead to a rise in black market and illegal cigarette products, as branding no longer creates consumer attachment, even if cigarette prices remain elastic. In addition to lost consumer and producer surplus, such regulations may cause a drop in excise and tax revenues, job losses, and disruptions to the packaging industry’s supply chain. Without an increase in tobacco exports, these ripple effects could also dampen farmer enthusiasm to continue tobacco cultivation.
Dr. Malik argued that the tightening of tobacco industry regulations could hinder Central Java’s economic growth. The region’s economy relies heavily on three sectors: agriculture (including plantations and fisheries), manufacturing, and services. “If agricultural innovation—apart from tobacco—remains limited, then the sector’s total value is likely to decline due to tighter tobacco industry regulations,” he explained.
He added that the domestic tobacco supply chain would also shrink, resulting in lower excise and tax revenues and eroding the industry’s motivation to compete, particularly as branding—once a core marketing tool—is stripped away.
Large-scale investments in the tobacco sector may also become less attractive. Furthermore, if regulatory tightening, especially concerning packaging design, is not matched by improvements in global supply chain integration, the market share of Indonesia’s (and Central Java’s) tobacco industry could decline. Collectively, these impacts could significantly impair Central Java’s ability to achieve high economic growth targets—such as surpassing the 7% threshold.
In response to these challenges, Dr. Malik proposed several solutions. From a regulatory perspective, he emphasized the need for oversight and evaluation of the economic and social impacts of Government Regulation No. 28 of 2024, which implements Law No. 17 of 2023 on Health, particularly in tobacco-producing areas.
He also recommended that derivative regulations aimed at tightening the tobacco industry undergo public consultation and impact evaluation. “If the negative economic effects of a regulation outweigh the intended benefits, the regulation should be reconsidered, postponed, or revoked,” he said.
Additionally, tobacco farmers and their associations should receive excise revenue incentives to improve the quality of their crops, helping them meet both domestic and international market demands.
Dr. Malik also urged the tobacco industry to pivot more strongly toward global markets as a substitute for a shrinking domestic market. He called for greater collaboration between the industry, tobacco associations, and the government to curb illegal cigarette production and mitigate the negative effects of tighter regulations.

Faculty of Economics and Business (FEB), Universitas Sebelas Maret (UNS), in collaboration with Universiti Teknologi MARA, held a webinar entitled Collaborative Teaching: Unemployment among ASEAN Countries on Friday, November 1, 2024, conducted in Google Meet. On this special occasion, Dr. Malik Cahyadin, a lecturer at FEB UNS, was invited as the keynote speaker, and Dr. Rosmah Nizam from the Faculty of Business and Management, Universiti Teknologi MARA Pahang, Malaysia, served as the moderator.

Opening the session, Dr. Rosmah Nizam introduced Dr. Malik and setting the stage for the session. “Today, we will listen to a presentation by Dr. Malik for approximately two hours, followed by a discussion and Q&A session,” said Dr. Rosmah.

In his presentation, Dr. Malik provided a comprehensive analysis of the concept of unemployment, emphasizing its multifaceted nature and the underlying causes. He explained that unemployment is not merely the absence of work, but a complex socio-economic phenomenon influenced by various factors such as economic fluctuations, technological advancements, and structural shifts in the labor market.

Dr. Malik further categorized the workforce into four distinct groups: individuals who are employed, those who are not employed but actively seeking work, the labor force—comprising both employed and unemployed individuals available for work, and the final group, those outside the labor force, including individuals who are neither working nor seeking employment.

The webinar, which was attended by more than 300 students from both UNS and Universiti Teknologi MARA Malaysia, also included a discussion on policy alternatives to address unemployment.

“The government can implement workforce training programs, such as those already in place in Indonesia, and establish agencies that provide job vacancy information to job seekers. This will help match employees with suitable positions,” Dr. Malik explained.

He further elaborated on the labor market conditions, specifically focusing on unemployment across five ASEAN countries: Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, Vietnam, and the Philippines.