UNAIR NEWS- The Covid-19 pandemic has affected various sectors of human life, including the Tobacco Products Industry (IHT) sector. During theCovid-19 pandemic, IHT products were faced with prospects and challenges from the supply-demand side and tobacco product excise policies. In this regard, the Development Economics Development Laboratory, Faculty of Economics and Business Universitas Airlangga (LPEP-FEB UNAIR) held a National Panel Discussion on Thursday, September 9, 2021.
Attending the National Panel Discussion were the Deputy Minister of Finance of the Republic of Indonesia, Prof. Suahasil Nazara, SE., M.Sc., Ph.D., Head of the East Java Industry and Trade Office, Dr. Ir. Drajat Irawan SE. SH., MT. The National Panel Discussion also invited fourteen experts from various sectors related to IHT.
UNAIR Rector Prof. Dr. Mohammad Nasih SE., Ak., MT. in his opening remarks said that based on natural law, God creates the universe in pairs. This pairing mechanism often leads to dilemmas in life, including in the IHT sector.
“It is our duty as intellectuals, figures, thinkers, and experts to analyze these various dilemmas to provide the best solution for the benefit of mankind,” explained Prof. Nasih.
The relationship between finance, industry, and health is a dilemma in the IHT sector. Prof. Nasih believes the discussion will come up with a solution. The focus of any solution to the problem is the welfare of the people and the advancement of Indonesia.
“I believe that if the ideology is of the welfare of the people, no matter how tough the dilemma, no matter how difficult the choice, we will find the best solution and take the best policy,” said Prof. Nasih.
The direction of all policies must be based on the community’s welfare, especially people who are in the middle to lower economic conditions. Prof. Nasih invited experts and participants to struggle and achieve the prosperity and welfare of people in IHT.
“Let us in this forum direct all the power of thinking so that no party is harmed in the process of making decisions or policies related to IHT, including farmers, industrial producers, the government, the Ministry of Health, the Ministry of Finance, and the Coordinating Ministry,” explained Prof. Nasih.
At the end, Prof. Nasih gave the highest appreciation to the speakers and all who contributed to the organization of that strategic and meaningful event. It is in line with UNAIR’s efforts to always be present in every issue.
“UNAIR will strive to always give meaning to human life towards a developed, just, and civilized Indonesia. Let’s fight for the people’s welfare and human civilization,” concluded Prof. Nasih. (*)
Author: Sandi Prabowo
Editor : Binti Q. Masruroh (AC/AP)
