Yogyakarta, October 10, 2024 – The Student Association of the Master in Sharia Economics (HMPM), UIN Sunan Kalijaga Yogyakarta successfully held the Economic Literacy Festival with the theme "Smart Economics for Future Generation." This event was not merely ceremonial but a significant moment that introduced innovative breakthroughs by integrating economics, language, and literature.
The main event commenced with an enthusiastic opening address by the chair of the organizing committee, Miftahus Surur, S.E. He emphasized that economics is not just about numbers and data but a journey that touches lives. "We need to instill a love and sensitivity toward socio-economic conditions. Economics is about welfare, empathy, and justice," he asserted. Through a literary approach, participants were encouraged to view economics from a broader perspective, incorporating morality and human values.
The Chair of HMPM, Muhammad Budi Utama, S.E., stressed that the Economic Literacy Festival was part of the association's anniversary celebration. "This event is a testament to our commitment to developing literacy and writing skills among students," he stated.
Dr. Muhammad Ghafur Wibowo, S.E., M.Sc., Head of the MES Study Program, explained that this innovation was the result of an extraordinary collaboration among students. "In our lives, rationality dominates, so the effort to synergize and balance it with emotion is novel and creative endeavor. This is the uniqueness of this event," he said.
The event was officially opened by Dr. Ahmad Salehuddin, S.Th.I., MA, the Vice Dean for Student Affairs and Cooperation. In his address, he emphasized that knowledge must continue to evolve. The economic poetry book ‘Semesta Finansial’ (Financial Universe) and the children's storybook ‘Murah dan Berkah’ (Affordable and Blessed) are brilliant steps toward a new dynamic in the world of economics. "These works are remarkable. They mark the beginning of a more dynamic engagement among economics students," he said. He also launched both books by reading a heartfelt poem from ‘Semesta Finansial’.
The event continued with a seminar featuring Dr. Siti Nur Azizah, S.E.I., M.E.I. as the keynote speaker. During the seminar, participants were invited to explore economic literacy insights to achieve a brighter future. The interactive discussion was highly enthusiastic, with participants actively asking questions and sharing practical economic strategies applicable to daily life.
The event, held at the 5th-floor Auditorium of the Faculty of Islamic Economics and Business (FEBI), was attended by academics, students, writers, and literacy activists. With nearly 100 participants, the auditorium was filled with energy and enthusiasm. The event concluded with the announcement of winners for the economic poetry and financial-themed children's story writing competitions, which attracted hundreds of participants from across Indonesia.
The event was fully supported by Penerbit Bacaan Media, WAW Media, and Muara Media. Selected works from the economic poetry and financial-themed children's story competitions were published. Additionally, these publishers facilitated the provision of reading materials for the book bazaar held during the event. The bazaar served as a tangible implementation of the economic principles being studied. Participants showed keen interest in purchasing the promoted books, making the event not just a seminar but also an enjoyable learning experience. Penerbit Bacaan Media, WAW Media, and Muara Media also expanded the collection of the newly launched Master in Sharia Economics (MES) Corner, inaugurated two months ago.
Through the Economic Literacy Festival, HMPM Sharia Economics has pioneered a new way of understanding and celebrating economics, making it more engaging, creative, and relevant for future generations.