12 September 2025
Fenny Julistine Tarigan
The Faculty of Economics and Business, Universitas Sumatera Utara (FEB USU), in collaboration with the Indonesian Economists Association (ISEI) Medan Branch, North Sumatra Coordinator, and Bank Indonesia, successfully organized a Public Lecture and Scientific Journal Research Workshop on Thursday, September 11, 2025, at the Soehadji Hadibroto Auditorium, FEB USU.
The event carried the theme “The Role of Local Currency Transactions in Supporting Regional Economies” and formed part of the series leading to the 6th Sumatranomics 2025 Competition, an annual scientific event aimed at fostering innovative ideas and insights from the younger generation to advance regional and national economic development.
The public lecture featured Dr. Rudy B. Hutabarat, Head of Bank Indonesia’s Representative Office for North Sumatra Province, who highlighted the importance of strengthening interregional transactions through the use of local currencies (Local Currency Transaction/LCT). In his presentation, he explained that optimizing the use of local currencies could enhance monetary stability, improve transaction efficiency, and promote regional economic independence. His insights provided participants with a deeper understanding of how LCT can serve as a strategic instrument to strengthen regional economic resilience amid global dynamics.
In addition to the public lecture, the event was also accompanied by a Scientific Writing Workshop as preparation for the 6th Sumatranomics 2025 Competition. The workshop provided technical training to students from various universities on academic writing methods, constructing data-based arguments, and developing research ideas relevant to current economic issues. Through this activity, participants were expected to enhance their academic capacity and produce high-quality, impactful scientific works that contribute to society.
This public lecture and workshop served as a tangible example of synergy among academics, practitioners, and policymakers in building a more independent and competitive regional economic ecosystem. ISEI Medan, Bank Indonesia, and FEB USU expressed hope that the event would not only serve as a platform for knowledge exchange but also as a catalyst for new and innovative ideas contributing meaningfully to regional and national economic development.
