UNAIR NEWS – Prof Dr Wasiaturrahma SE MSi., felt a great sense of pride and happiness as Prof. Nasih officially inaugurated her as the 571st Professor of FEB UNAIR . She delivered a scientific oration entitled “Digital Financial Inclusion: Encouraging Economic Growth and Revival of MSMEs” on Wednesday, May 10, 2023, at Garuda Mukti Hall, Management Office, Campus MERR (C) UNAIR.
Prof Rahma said that Indonesia would face various challenges in the global economy. This challenge has triggered global geopolitical conflicts, such as the conflict between Ukraine and Russia that has not yet subsided.
“Until now, the geopolitical tension is still ongoing, and it is still unknown when it will end. So this is one of the tough challenges because it can lead to global uncertainty, inflationary pressures, disruptions to world food supplies, to food crises,” she said.
Furthermore, the dynamics of the global economy that trigger a decline in global demand, high inflation rates, declining global commodity prices, and unstable global MSMEs are also challenges that must be faced and anticipated.
Encouraging acceleration of digital financial inclusion
As a preventive measure in facing these challenges, Prof. Rahma believes that the government must immediately determine a strategic step. This step, she said, could be implemented through the acceleration of digital financial inclusion.
“Financial inclusion has become a trend after the 2008 crisis. It was the impact of the crisis targeting low-income and irregular groups living in remote areas, workers who do not have legal identity documents, and great numbers of marginalized unbanked communities outside the developed countries,” explained the FEB UNAIR academic.
According to her, there are several benefits of digital financial inclusion for a country’s economy. Among other things, it can improve economic efficiency, support financial system stability, reduce shadow banking or irresponsible finance, provide the new market potential for banks, and make a positive contribution to sustainable local and national economic growth.
“Furthermore, this digital financial inclusion can also reduce inequality and the rigidity of the low income trap, so that it can improve people’s welfare,” she added.
With digital financial inclusion, the government and policymakers can also help MSMEs to develop and rise amidst global economic challenges.
Digital financial inclusion is able to encourage MSMEs to upgrade and be exporters and connect with global markets. Furthermore, with digital financial inclusion, MSMEs can also expand access to business innovation and get easier access to financial resources.
“The various impacts generated by digital financial inclusion can help MSMEs, especially in business development. So that it will reduce the unemployment rate and income inequality,” said the woman born in Sumenep.
The implementation of digital financial inclusion in several countries has proven to have a significant positive impact. Several countries that have provided concrete evidence of the impact of digital financial inclusion include China, India, and Thailand.
Inspiring figure
Professor is the highest academic position a lecturer can achieve. It is certainly not easy because it takes tenacity, persistence, patience, and an unyielding spirit. That is the story of the journey that Prof Rahma has experienced so far. It was confirmed directly by the son who attended the inauguration ceremony.
“My mother is a person who never gives up, so in her life dictionary, there is no word for ‘surrender’,” he said.
Apart from being a highly dedicated teacher, Prof Rahma has also succeeded in becoming the best mother and the source of inspiration for her children. “Now and forever, mother will always be a source of inspiration and guidance for me to take steps. Thank you for being a good mother. Thank you for being an example for the nation’s successors at UNAIR because the evidence shows that many of her students have been successful,” said the son.
The husband, who was also present at the occasion, also expressed his gratitude as what his wife had dreamed of ten years ago could now come true. The realization of these ideals is the fruit of the efforts and prayers of Prof Rahma.
“I am very proud of Prof Rahma, I am honestly inspired by her. It’s true, she never gives up. And I really admire her extraordinary piety, so I believe God has moved her to immediately be a professor. I hope that the knowledge she gets will be useful for UNAIR, her family, and her religion, “said the husband.
Author: Yulia Rohmawati
Editor: Khefti Al Mawalia
