The Faculty of Economics and Business, Universitas Gadjah Mada (FEB UGM), has launched the Economics & Business Journalism Academy, a short course designed to provide journalists with in-depth insights into current economic and business issues alongside experts in the field. The program’s inaugural session was held on Friday, March 14, 2025, with the theme “State Budget (APBN) & the Indonesian Economy.” Dr. Evi Noor Afifah, S.E., M.S.E., an economist and faculty member of the Department of Economics at FEB UGM, chaired the session.
In his opening remarks, Gumilang Aryo Sahadewo, S.E., M.A., Ph.D., Vice Dean for Research, Community Service, Collaboration, and Alumni at FEB UGM, emphasized that the EB Journalism Academy serves as a platform for discussion and provides a comprehensive understanding, especially on current economic and business issues. The program’s first edition focused on the structure and impact of the Indonesian State Budget (APBN) on the national economy.
“This program is designed with a combination of lectures and Focus Group Discussions (FGD), allowing journalists to deepen their understanding and produce more comprehensive news reports,” he explained at the FEB UGM on Friday (March 14).
Gumilang also emphasized that this initiative is a discussion forum and an opportunity for future collaboration. He emphasized that as a business school, FEB UGM is committed to academic publications and to playing an active role in policy discussions.
“We want to show that our faculty’s research is not limited to publications in academic journals but is also communicated through various media platforms to reach the wider public effectively,” he said.
During the EB Journalism Academy, Dr. Evi elaborated on the Indonesian State Budget (APBN), focusing on the conceptual framework of fiscal policy, how macroeconomic assumptions affect the budget structure and an assessment of the quality of the APBN.
She explained that this initiative bridges academia and the media, a key pillar of public accountability, to ensure clear communication of APBN information and enhance public understanding of its impact on the Indonesian economy.
Dr. Evi also stressed the importance of improving the effectiveness of APBN policies to generate tangible economic benefits and enhance public welfare. She emphasized that public spending should prioritize quality and results in development planning rather than focusing solely on quantity and output.
“Good governance is driven by strong institutional capacity and political will,” she concluded.
Report by: Shofi Hawa Anjani
Editor: Kurnia Ekaptiningrum
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