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The Center for Research and Community Engagement Development (P4M), Faculty of Economics and Business, Universitas Sebelas Maret (FEB UNS), in collaboration with Applied Microeconomics Research Group, organized Working Paper Forum on Wednesday, September 10, 2025, at Meeting Room 2, Soeharno TS Building, FEB UNS. The forum was attended by members of the FEB UNS academic community, including lecturers, researchers, and students. The discussion highlighted a study entitled “Socioeconomic Experimental Study: The Role of Vouchers & Agency in Food Consumption Preferences among Adolescents,” presented by Prof. Tri Mulyaningsih, S.E., M.Si., Ph.D.

In her presentation, Prof. Tri addressed the issue of the double burden of malnutrition in Indonesia, namely the growing consumption of high-calorie and sugary foods amid persistently high rates of stunting and anemia, particularly among adolescents. This phenomenon reflects the rising intake of processed, calorie-dense foods, while stunting and anemia remain pressing public health challenges.

The research involved 1,011 students aged 12–16 from five schools in Solo City. Participants were divided into three experimental groups: a control group receiving vouchers for stationery, a group receiving vouchers for healthy food, and a group receiving choice vouchers (healthy or unhealthy food). The three-week intervention was combined with nutrition education and included measurements of eating behavior, daily consumption, and psychological factors before and after the intervention.

Findings showed that vouchers were effective in increasing healthy food consumption in the short term, yet eating patterns returned to their original state once the intervention ended. More notably, providing choice (agency) enhanced preferences for healthy food, especially among younger students with specific psychological traits such as higher compliance and stronger needs for autonomy.

“Our conclusion is that policies based on providing choice hold potential as an effective strategy to encourage healthy eating among adolescents. However, interventions need to be continuous and tailored to age in order to achieve long-term impact,” Prof. Tri stated.

Through this forum, FEB UNS reaffirms its commitment to supporting research that is not only innovative but also applicable in improving quality of life, especially among the younger generation. As part of its dedication to sustainable development, this session contributes to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 3 on health and well-being, which targets reductions in stunting and malnutrition, and SDG 4 on quality education through the dissemination of knowledge and health awareness. This collaborative effort reflects the vital role of higher education institutions in creating solutions that bring positive impacts to society and sustainable national development.

The Master of Accounting (MAKSI) Study Program, Faculty of Economics and Business (FEB), Universitas Sebelas Maret (UNS), organized a dissemination session entitled “Shaping the Future in Academic Opportunity” on Friday, May 23, 2025. The event was conducted in a hybrid format at the Bachtiar Effendi Building, FEB UNS, and via Zoom Meeting. It featured two keynote speakers: Prof. Doddy Setiawan, S.E., M.Si., Ph.D., Ak., Head of the Accounting Study Program, and Lulus Kurniasih, S.E., M.S.Ak., Ph.D., Head of the Master of Accounting Study Program (MAKSI).

The session introduced the fast-track program, specifically designed to provide opportunities for students aspiring to continue their studies at the master’s level in a shorter time and at a more efficient cost. This initiative serves as a strategic effort to encourage outstanding students to pursue advanced studies without a lengthy gap. Prof. Doddy Setiawan emphasized that the core of the program lies in allowing students to undertake undergraduate and master’s levels simultaneously. Through this scheme, students are able to complete both degrees within five years. In addition to time efficiency, participants also benefit from a 50% tuition fee reduction during the first two semesters.

“We want students not only to complete their undergraduate studies but also to directly pursue their master’s level while maintaining academic quality. The fast-track program is the best pathway for this. Most importantly, students will receive intensive supervision starting from the first semester to ensure they can follow the program successfully,” he remarked.

By providing this pathway, FEB UNS offers high-achieving students the chance to accelerate their academic and professional careers through a well-structured and integrated program. Further, Dr. Lulus Kurniasih explained that the fast-track route is open to active undergraduate students, particularly in the Accounting study program, starting from their sixth semester. “Students may begin taking master’s-level courses while still enrolled in the undergraduate program. This enables them to graduate from the master’s program faster and at a much lower cost, as they only pay 50% of tuition in the first two semesters,” she explained.

The program is open to students with a minimum GPA of 3.50, a TOEFL score of at least 450, and a TPA score of 425 or a passing result on the Scholastic Aptitude Test from the UNS Faculty of Psychology, along with one recommendation letter from a faculty member holding a doctoral degree. Beyond administrative selection, applicants are also required to undergo an academic interview to ensure their readiness and motivation for joining the program. In addition to introducing the fast-track pathway, the event also highlighted various scholarship opportunities available to both fast-track and regular students.

“We want to ensure that outstanding students are not hindered by financial barriers. They can take advantage of scholarships such as the Scopus Scholarship, LPDP, and the Education for Master’s Leading to Doctorate for Excellent Undergraduates (PMDSU),” she added.

For instance, the Scopus Scholarship at UNS is awarded each semester to two students who managed to publish their scientific manuscript in a reputable journal. Meanwhile, the LPDP Scholarship from the Ministry of Finance provides full funding for outstanding master’s students. As for the PMDSU Scholarship, it offers an integrated pathway to complete both master’s and doctoral studies. Admission to the fast-track program is open only from April to August, and applicants are required to contact the admissions office or the Head of the MAKSI Study Program beforehand.

Through the fast-track program and the scholarship opportunities offered, the MAKSI Study Program FEB UNS contributes to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly in ensuring inclusive and equitable access to quality education (SDG 4).

This program also supports the development of competent and competitive human resources, which play a key role in driving sustainable economic growth, decent employment, and innovation (SDGs 8 and 9). Thus, MAKSI FEB UNS not only produces highly qualified graduates but also plays an active role in building a fairer and more sustainable future for Indonesia and the global community.

The Academic Senate of the Faculty (SAF), Faculty of Economics and Business (FEB), Universitas Sebelas Maret (UNS), conducted the handover ceremony of the SAF Chairmanship on Wednesday, September 10, 2025, at 1st Assembly Room, Soeharno TS Building, FEB UNS. The event marked the conclusion of Prof. Dr. Tulus Haryono, M.Ek., leadership as the Chair of the SAF FEB UNS (2021–2025) and the transfer of responsibility to Prof. Dr. Hunik Sri Runing Sawitri, M.Si., for the interim period of 2025–2028. The signing of the official handover document was conducted formally and witnessed by the Dean of FEB UNS, Prof. Bhimo Rizky Samudro, S.E., M.Si., Ph.D., along with the Secretary of SAF FEB UNS, Reza Rahardian, S.E., M.Si. The event was also attended by members of the Academic Senate of FEB UNS.

In his remarks, Prof. Tulus expressed gratitude for the collaboration and support he received during his tenure. He stated that as of September 1, 2025, he has officially entered retirement. “Thank you for all the support. I may have not contributed much to FEB UNS, and I apologize if I made mistakes along the way,” he conveyed with humility.

As the newly appointed Chair of SAF, Prof. Hunik emphasized her commitment to continue strengthening the role of SAF in maintaining sound academic governance and called for collective support from all members. “I sincerely ask for your support, for me to be able to fulfil this responsibility well,” she said.

On behalf of FEB UNS Board of Professor and all senate members, appreciation was extended to Prof. Tulus for his consistent leadership, meaningful contributions, and commitment to upholding SAF’s function as an internal oversight body with a strategic role in shaping faculty academic policies.

The Dean of FEB UNS, Prof. Bhimo Rizky Samudro, also expressed his appreciation both personally and representing the faculty to Prof. Tulus for his dedication and inspiration throughout his term. “Prof. Tulus has provided many valuable insights for the faculty. Hopefully, Prof. Hunik will carry this transition forward and further contribute to improving academic policies within FEB,” he noted.

This leadership transition reflects FEB UNS’s commitment to the principles of Good Governance and Quality Education, in line with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly Goal 4: Quality Education and Goal 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions. Through the active role of the Academic Senate as a supervisory body, FEB UNS continues to ensure an inclusive, fair, and high-quality educational process while strengthening transparent and accountable academic institutions.