Students Gain Insights into Indonesia’s Economy and Regional Opportunities

Associate Professor Dr. Dudi Permana, Head of Management Undergraduate Studies at the Faculty of Economics and Business, Universitas Mercu Buana (UMB), Indonesia, recently delivered a talk to 150 Foundation in Management students at the Cyberjaya campus. Coordinated by Dr. Abdul Aziz Ahmad and Dr. Noor Shahaliza Othman from the Faculty of Management (FOM), the session provided an engaging overview of Indonesia’s economic direction and its growing influence within Southeast Asia.

Dr. Dudi shared insights into Indonesia’s efforts to strengthen its agriculture sector while expanding its digital economy, highlighting opportunities for innovation, entrepreneurship, and inclusive growth. He also discussed the country’s appeal to foreign investors, with Japan, China, and Singapore playing strategic roles in sectors such as automotive, electric vehicles, battery production, and renewable energy. Comparisons of income distribution between Indonesia and Malaysia further highlighted shared social challenges, including inequality and the need for targeted policy efforts.

The talk also emphasised Indonesia’s potential in the global electric vehicle and battery supply chain due to abundant nickel reserves, alongside the rapid adoption of digital payments across the country. Overall, students gained valuable insights into regional economic developments and were encouraged to reflect on how countries navigate opportunities and challenges within an evolving global economy.