FEBI students once again brought good news when Muhamad Fuji Hakiki (Islamic Accounting/2017), Kiki Ayu Handayani (Islamic Financial Management/2017), and Ishak (Islamic Financial Management/2017) achieved 3rd place in the Debate Competition category at the Event Management Education Fair (MANUFAIR). MANUFAIR was held at Jember University from September 19-21, 2019, under the theme ‘The Actualization of the Role of Government, Entrepreneurs, and Academics in Facing the Challenges of the Digital Economy in the Disruptive Era.’

The Debate Competition was designed to cultivate students’ ability to swiftly, effectively, and efficiently address contemporary issues, particularly those pertaining to the Digital Economy, within a 20-minute timeframe for case construction. This involved formulating arguments grounded in theory, data, and facts, and proposing optimal solutions. Furthermore, students received training in the art of persuasive speaking.

This national-level event commenced with the selection of the top 16 essays, followed by team confirmation to finalize the administration. Ultimately, 8 teams from diverse universities, such as UIN Sunan Kalijaga Yogyakarta, Gadjah Mada University, Sultan Ageng Tirtayasa University, STIE Perbanas Surabaya, Muhammadiyah University of Malang, and Jember University, participated in the competition. The debate format employed was the Asian Parliamentary Debate System.

Following the completion of the essay selection and administrative formalities, the competition progressed through preliminary, semi-final, and final stages, utilizing a head-to-head system. This is an annual event for the Management Student Association (HMJM) of Jember University, with this year’s Manufair marking its 3rd edition.
In a separate interview, the author conveyed a message that every challenge, as long as one dares to take a step, will seem easy. Our goal is not simply to win or lose, but rather to recognize our own shortcomings during the competition, allowing us to improve ourselves and become better human beings. This achievement serves as a symbol of our obligation to learn to be grateful for the blessings of Allah SWT.

The Head of Islamic Accounting Study Program, Faculty of Islamic Economics and Business, Dr. Abdul Haris, M. Ag., welcomed this achievement. He hopes that FEBI students will become more solid and can contribute to the national stage in the development of the Islamic economy. In addition, this achievement will undoubtedly enhance the reputation of FEBI in particular, and UIN Sunan Kalijaga in general, on the national scale. (MFH/AN)