Senior Economist Of Indef Kenang Kiprah Arif Budimanta In The Economy And Politics

Arif Budimanta (Photo: Antara)

JAKARTA - Indef senior economist Didik J Rachbini recalled the work of the former Presidential Special Staff of the 7th Economy Sector Arif Budimanta in the fields of economy, politics, Pancasila and public policy.

"Some of his works discuss how Pancasila's values can be the basis of an equitable, inclusive and sovereign Indonesian economic system," said Didik quoting Antara.

Arif's works that reap Didik's attention include Pancasilanomics: Pancasila's Economy in Motion (2019) and a book on Indonesian Economic Architecture. Didik assessed that Arif criticized the development direction that was too liberal through the book, and proposed a constitutional-based economic design (Article 33 of the 1945 Constitution).

Didik said Arif's departure must be remembered as a lesson in life lessons for the next generation.

"Arif wrote many books and articles in the national mass media with a focus on the issue of inequality, MSMEs, investment, and sustainability," he said.

When taking part in the DPR in the 2009 '2014 period, continued Didik, Arif and his colleagues were active in a silent movement, namely reviving the constitution's economy.

For Arif, indicators of people's welfare must be the main goal, not just economic growth based on liberal policies.

"Arif is known for initiating this causal, which aims to include indicators of community welfare in the process of drafting the state budget, in collaboration with cross-factions," he said.

Didik also said that Arif Budimanta has a role in the realm of social and education, namely as an administrator of the Paramadina Waqf Foundation.

Intellectuals and academics at foundations and campuses are very active in public discourse and provide criticism of public policy and the broad political economy.

"The departure was too fast because he was still young, but we couldn't refuse fate, so we sincerely let go," said Didik.

Former Special Staff to the 7th President Joko Widodo, Arif Budimanta, who is currently the Chairman of the PP Muhammadiyah Economic, Business and Tourism Council, died on Saturday, 00.06 WIB.

Chairman of PP Muhammadiyah for Economics and Business Muhadjir Effendy when contacted confirmed the news of Arif Budimanta's death.