(HIMA IE NEWS) Mastery of statistical software is an essential skill for economics students, in today's data-driven era. To support the improvement of micro data analysis capacity, the Economics Student Association (HIMA S1 IE) of the Faculty of Economics and Business, Universitas Airlangga (FEB UNAIR) in collaboration with the Research Institute of Socio-Economic Development (RISED) held a training entitled "Utilization of Propensity Score Matching (PSM) in SUSENAS Data Analysis Using the STATA Application" on Saturday and Sunday, May 17-18, 2025. This activity was carried out online through the Zoom Meetings platform.
The training featured keynote speaker M. Fajar Rakhmadi, SE, M.Ec., Director of RISED, who guided participants in understanding the concept and application of the Propensity Score Matching (PSM) method for evaluating policy impact. Participants were also encouraged to practice using STATA, a statistical software widely used by researchers and policy analysts.
The event began with remarks from the Coordinator of the Undergraduate Program in Economics, FEB UNAIR, Mr. Rumayya, SE, M.Reg.Dev., Ph.D., and the Head of the Student Association of Economics (HIMA IE), Atha Zaky Handika. In their remarks, both expressed their hope that students would utilize this training to prepare methodologically sound research, particularly in utilizing nationally available macro and micro data.
During the training session, participants were introduced to SUSENAS (National Socioeconomic Survey) data, a key data source from the Central Statistics Agency (BPS). Participants learned how to access and understand the variable structure of SUSENAS data, perform data cleaning , and analyze it using the PSM approach.
The training was interactive, incorporating quizzes and case studies. In the case study session, participants simulated the impact analysis of a government program using the PSM approach based on SUSENAS data. Participants' enthusiasm was evident in the high level of participation and the numerous technical questions regarding the use of syntax , variable selection in PSM models, and interpretation of analysis results.
As a token of appreciation, the training concluded with a digital wallet prize awarded to the participant with the best quiz score. Participants were also asked to complete an evaluation questionnaire to provide input for future activities.
This activity reflects the commitment of the IE Undergraduate Student Association (HIMA S1 IE) to strengthening research capacity and data literacy among students. Through a strategic collaboration with RISED, this training is a concrete step in equipping the younger generation with relevant skills for developing data-driven policy research and national development.