Faculty of Economics at UNU Jogja Redesigns Curriculum to Meet the Challenges of the AI and Digital Economy Era

Yogyakarta, Indonesia – The Faculty of Economics at Nahdlatul Ulama University Yogyakarta (UNU Jogja) has redesigned its curriculum by involving industry professionals, academics, alumni, and graduate employers to ensure that students develop competencies aligned with the demands of the digital economy and the era of Artificial Intelligence (AI).

Dean of the Faculty of Economics at UNU Jogja, Dr. Ir. Suhada, S.T., MBA, IPU., QRGP, said the curriculum redesign was carried out collaboratively to equip graduates with skills and knowledge relevant to technological advancements, industry needs, and the evolving global job market.

“We want to ensure that our students acquire competencies that meet the demands of the times. Therefore, we have created opportunities for dialogue and evaluation with various stakeholders so that the curriculum remains relevant, adaptive, and future-oriented,” he said on Saturday, June 6.

One of the initiatives undertaken by the faculty is its collaboration with the Indonesian Joint Funding Fintech Association (AFPI) through the educational program Pindar Mengajar themed “Smart Financial Management, Wise Transactions.” The event was held at the 5th Floor Hall of UNU Jogja.

Supported by Indonesia’s Financial Services Authority (OJK) and several fintech industry partners, the program aims to improve financial literacy among young people, particularly in personal financial management, investment, and the responsible use of digital financial services.

According to Suhada, financial literacy and digital economic knowledge have become essential competencies for students as the financial industry continues to evolve.

Beyond the fintech sector, the Accounting Department has also strengthened its curriculum through discussions with industry practitioners. One of the contributors is Bayu A. Widiyanto, a former external auditor within the global Big Four accounting network who currently serves as Chief Financial Officer (CFO) of PT Paiton Energy.

Meanwhile, the Management Department has expanded its international network through a benchmarking program with Universiti Teknikal Malaysia Melaka (UTeM). As part of the initiative, international academic Dr. Anidah Binti Robbani shared insights on developing higher education programs that align with the needs of global industries.

Suhada explained that these collaborations are part of the faculty’s broader vision to become an excellent, innovative, globally competitive, digitally driven, and sustainability-oriented faculty grounded in the values of Aswaja An-Nahdliyah by 2045.

To support this vision, the Faculty of Economics has also strengthened its academic workforce by recruiting lecturers with expertise in data analytics, operations management, and digital business.

“Industries increasingly require talents who can transform data into strategic decisions, manage operations effectively, and understand the rapidly evolving digital business ecosystem. We do not want to merely follow change; we want to become part of those leading it,” he said.

He added that strengthening academic staff, curriculum development, and industry partnerships also support the implementation of an Outcome-Based Education (OBE) curriculum focused on graduate learning outcomes.

Through this approach, students are expected not only to master theoretical knowledge but also to develop practical skills, analytical capabilities, industry experience, and leadership qualities required in today’s workplace. With these competencies, graduates are expected to adapt to changing business environments and compete at both national and global levels.

Therefore, the Faculty of Economics at UNU Jogja welcomes high school, Islamic senior high school (MA), and vocational school (SMK) graduates who aspire to become professionals, entrepreneurs, data analysts, accountants, managers, and future business leaders through an education that responds to technological developments and industry needs.

“Indonesia Gold 2045 requires a generation that is intelligent, adaptive, and possesses strong character. We invite young people to learn and grow with us and become part of the future leaders and professionals who will shape Indonesia,” Suhada said. [Latifah]