Dear UNNES friends, when you enter the Faculty of Economics and Business (FEB), there are usually three main majors that can be confusing: Management, Accounting, and Development Economics.
If Management is about managing companies, and Accounting is about recording finances, then Development Economics is about the “big picture.”
This major is often referred to as the major for critical thinkers and future policymakers. Here, you will not only learn how to make a profit, but also how to improve the welfare of society, alleviate poverty, and maintain price stability (inflation) in a country.
Are you interested in becoming like Sri Mulyani or the reliable economists at Bank Indonesia? Let’s get to know this major better.
What is Development Economics?
Simply put, Development Economics is a branch of economics that studies development issues in developing and developed countries.
You will be trained to become a sharp analyst. You will dissect macroeconomic data (such as economic growth, unemployment, currency exchange rates) to formulate effective development solutions or strategies.
Concentrations in Development Economics To make your skills more specialized, this program typically offers several concentrations or specializations in the middle semesters. At UNNES and generally in Indonesia, popular concentrations include:
1. Monetary Economics & Banking
For those who aspire to work at Bank Indonesia or OJK, this is the choice for you. You will learn about the ins and outs of money, interest rates, inflation, and central bank policies in maintaining economic stability.
2. Public Economics (State Finance)
Focuses on how the government manages the state budget (APBN/APBD). You will learn about taxes, levies, subsidies, and how the state budget is allocated for the welfare of the people. This is highly relevant for a career at the Ministry of Finance or the Tax Office.
3. Regional & Urban Economics
This specialization studies regional development. How can we build cities without traffic jams? How can we prevent villages from being left behind? This concentration is highly sought after at Bappeda (Regional Development Planning Agency).
4. International Economics
Studies trade between countries, exports and imports, and the impact of globalization on the domestic economy.
Career Prospects: Very Broad & Flexible
Don’t assume that Development Economics graduates can only become civil servants. Strong data analysis skills make these graduates very flexible:
- Policy/Economic Analyst: In research institutions or government.
- Bankers & Credit Analysts: At state-owned or private banks.
- Development Planners: At Bappenas or urban planning consultancies.
- Data Analysts: At start-ups or multinational companies.
Why Development Economics at UNNES?
The Faculty of Economics and Business (FEB) at Semarang State University (UNNES) has a Development Economics Department that has been accredited as Excellent.
The curriculum at UNNES Development Economics is designed to be adaptive to the digital era, equipping students with statistical data analysis skills (using software such as EViews, STATA, and SPSS), which are the primary tools of a future economic analyst.
It’s Time to Make a Choice!
UNNES friends, becoming a young economist who contributes to the nation starts with one important decision today.
We are in the most crucial week. SNBP registration will open soon.
SNBP Registration Period: February 3–18, 2026
Don’t miss your chance to enter this prestigious department through the achievement pathway just because you are unprepared.
What should you do?
- Access the SNBP portal immediately after it opens.
- Select UNNES Development Economics as your top priority.
- Ensure all data is accurate and finalize your application before February 18, 2026.
Join the FEB UNNES community and become an architect of Indonesia’s future development!
For more information: University of Semarang
