The Doctoral Program in Economics (PDIE), Faculty of Economics and Business (FEB), Universitas Sebelas Maret (UNS) held an Alumni Talk at the Ki Hadjar Dewantara Building, UNS, on Tuesday, September 24, 2024.

The event, attended by both alumni and students of PDIE, featured three distinguished speakers: Dr. Erna Setiany, M.Si, Ak., Vice Rector of Universitas Mercu Buana; Dr. Anto Prabowo, MBA., Senior Advisor to the Financial Services Authority (OJK); and Dr. Rochmat Aldy Purnomo, M.Si., from Universitas Muhammadiyah Ponorogo.

In her opening speech, Prof. Dr. Rahmawati, M.Si., Ak., Interim Head of the PDIE Program, explained that this event is part of an annual routine aimed at strengthening connections between alumni and current students.

This year, PDIE invited speakers from different specializations: Dr. Erna, representing the Accounting focus; Dr. Anto from the Management focus; and Dr. Rochmat Aldy from the Development Economics focus.

Prof. Rahmawati also highlighted the crucial role of PDIE alumni in supporting the program’s accreditation process. With over 155 alumni already recorded, their participation is essential in upcoming activities. PDIE is set for re-accreditation in 2026 using the Lamemba instrument.

Additionally, Prof. Rahmawati shared feedback from an assessor in 2022, suggesting the separation of the PDIE program into three distinct doctoral programs: PDIE for Development Economics, Doctoral Program in Accounting (PDIA), and Doctoral Program in Management (PDIM). “This would make sense because alignment is essential. Development Economics should stay under PDIE, while Management and Accounting should each have their own proposals,” she explained.

Regarding the typical study duration, Prof. Rahmawati noted that students usually complete their studies in an average of 4.2 years, with the ideal time frame being between 3 to 4 years. If students receive a scholarship for a 3-year program, it can be extended for an additional year.

She encouraged the students by saying, “Stay motivated and listen to the three alumni speakers. I hope their insights will inspire you to finish your studies on time, ideally within 3 to 4 years. Delaying beyond that can negatively affect the program’s average completion time.”

The PDIE program has also engaged in various activities involving international speakers and has established collaborative research and supervision partnerships.

Meanwhile, Dr. H. Abdul Kharis Almasyhari, S.E., M.Si., AKT., CA., Chairman of the PDIE Alumni Association, expressed continued support for the program.

“From the beginning, as the first cohort of PDIE alumni, we’ve hoped to see the program’s quality continuously improve. We urge the program administrators not to tolerate any decline in quality. We are ready to help maintain and enhance the PDIE program so that it can stand alongside other advanced doctoral programs from leading universities,” he stated.

He also hoped that with more alumni from various disciplines and work environments, PDIE UNS would gain greater recognition. The three speakers, Dr. Erna, Dr. Anto, and Dr. Aldy, shared valuable insights and motivated the attendees, most of whom were PDIE students.