Building the economy, building the nation are perhaps the right expressions under the conditions of today’s world. Countries, whose economies are able to thrive and survive in the midst of the onslaught of the era, give power to the nation’s development. Which is closely related to the welfare of society. On the other hand, the economy can have a positive impact provided the government and economic actors can be in synergy.
The Faculty of Economics of Parahyangan Catholic University (FE Unpar), as one of the pioneers of higher education in the economic field in West Java, since its early age has been trying to improve nation development through economic education. Through an integrated study that is always up-to-date to economic phenomena, Unpar graduates constantly strive to make a really good contribution to society.
Unpar’s Economics Faculty currently has four undergraduate and diploma courses. One of them is the Economic Development Study Program (Prodi EP). EP is a gateway for young people who wish to learn more about the field of economics. Unlike other study programs at FE Unpar, Prodi EP students explore various economic theories, both macro and micro. They get a chance to see the economy at large as well as in detail. Mastery of this theory becomes the academic capital for graduates in life, both as practitioners and intellectuals continuing academic careers. In addition to economic theory, EP Unpar students also receive the introduction of economics related science, such as management and accounting.
Three areas of study
In accordance with the development of contemporary economy (especially in Indonesia), The Development Economics Study Program of Unpar provides learning materials that are divided into three areas of study. They are industrial and trade economics (EIP), regional and environmental economies (EKL) and monetary and financial economics (EMK). These three areas have their respective focus, as outlined in the courses that specifically address related phenomena and concepts.
The field of EIP studies is related to the real sector of the economy. This sector includes manufacturing and service industries, domestic and international trade, and employment. To reflect this, EIP-related lectures discuss market structure and mechanisms and how government policies are involved in the conditions generated by the mechanism.
Unlike EIP, EKL focuses on how to improve economic inefficiency due to market failure. Issues raised by the field of study include externality problems, imperfect mobility of goods and services, and issues related to the provision of public goods. This field also discusses the gap in the economy, judging by regional differences, groups, generation and income.
The EMK study field has its own uniqueness compared to the other two fields. As the name implies, EMK focuses on issues related to monetary, fiscal, banking aspects and finance. This field of study discusses how the gap between the real sector and the financial sector could exist. In addition, financial stability and monetary and fiscal policies are the scope of the field.
Work in science and society
The practice of science to the community becomes one of the focuses of the entire of Unpar community, not least in the environment of the EP study program. This study has its own study center, the Center for Economic Studies (PSIE / CES). CES is an important venue in organizing research and community service in Prodi EP. Periodically, CES also collects research work and community service in the journal of Bina Ekonomi or Binek.
Students do not wish to miss out on becoming involved in community service to society. One of the work programs owned by the Student Association Economic Development Study Program (HMPSEP) is SD Binaan. This program invites EP students to participate in improving education in remote areas around the city of Bandung. Not only to invite students to play and learn, but, they have also provided assistance such as health checks to the surrounding community.
Through the knowledge given, EP Unpar Prodi encourages its graduates to make a real contribution in various sectors of the economy, both micro and macro. With the capability, alumni are expected to be able to provide change, such as in policy making at government, organization, and private sector level. The wind of change blown by EP Unpar in the Indonesian economy will be a driving force for the nation’s progress and people’s welfare.
