Professor Mubyarto, an economics lecturer at Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) three decades ago, is widely recognized as a prominent thinker of Pancasila Economics. His work went beyond theory, as he actively practiced social economics within communities.
His profound ideas on Pancasila Economics, grounded in Article 33 of the 1945 Constitution, consistently served as a reminder that economic development must aim to improve the people’s welfare, with economic justice as its guiding principle.
“More than half of his life was dedicated to conceptualizing and implementing Pancasila Economics,” said Dr. Dumairy, a senior researcher at the UGM Center for People’s Economy Studies (Pusekra UGM), on Tuesday (Aug. 12) during the launch of the book Kehidupan dan Perjuangan MUBYARTO: Pemikir-Perintis Ekonomi Pancasila (“The Life and Struggle of Mubyarto: Thinker and Pioneer of Pancasila Economics”).
The book launch marked the 24th anniversary of Pusekra UGM and also commemorated the 123rd anniversary of the birth of Bung Hatta.
Dr. Dumairy emphasized that any discussion of Pancasila Economics cannot be separated from the name Professor Mubyarto. While he was not the first to introduce the idea or use the term, he became the central figure associated with it. Dr. Dumairy stressed that Professor Mubyarto was not only a conceptual thinker but also a practitioner, having applied his ideas through a credible national-level institution.
“At Bappenas, his work became a reference for many parties, and even several countries have studied it,” he explained.
As the author of the book, Dr. Dumairy briefly outlined that the first part presents a semi-biographical account of Professor Mubyarto’s life, while the second part compiles the late professor’s thoughts from various articles and papers delivered at academic forums, particularly during the final years before his passing in 2005.
“Although many books and articles on Pancasila Economics by the late professor have been published, there are still numerous unpublished manuscripts. The first part of the book will appeal to anyone interested in learning about the great ideas of a distinguished figure. Readers often feel the need to understand a figure’s personality and background, who they were, when they were born, their socio-cultural background, education, career, and contributions to society,” he said.
Dr. Dumairy added that one of Professor Mubyarto’s ideas was the application of Pancasila Economics by implementing Article 33 of the 1945 Constitution in daily life: that natural resources must be managed by the state for the people’s prosperity, and state revenue should be supported by the nation’s natural wealth.
“Unfortunately, the current situation is the opposite. Natural resources no longer serve as the main pillar, and instead, more than 80 percent of our state budget revenue comes from taxes,” he remarked.
Acting Head of Pusekra UGM, Dr. Rachmawan Budiarto, welcomed the launch of the book as part of Pusekra’s 24th anniversary celebration and the commemoration of Bung Hatta’s 123rd birth anniversary.
“Why do we call this the 24th anniversary of the Center for People’s Economy Studies when in 2001 Professor Mubyarto established the Center for Pancasila Economics Studies? The name Pusekra originated from the former center, and that is what we are celebrating today. This truly reflects our shared ideals,” he explained.
Although the name changed and evolved in 2006, Dr. Budiarto stated that he and other researchers at Pusekra UGM see themselves as heirs to Pancasila Economics. Formally known as the Center for People’s Economy Studies, they still uphold the ideals of its founder.
“We are the successors of Pancasila Economics, as envisioned by Professor Mubyarto. Today, once again, these so-called ‘stubborn people’, highly valued by the Republic of Indonesia, gather to refresh and inspire each other. This is a moment we cannot afford to miss. We face fatigue over some persistent issues, such as poverty, whose statistics are still debated; some believe them, some do not,” he said.
Author: Agung Nugroho