(HIMA S1 IE NEWS) In the era of data-driven economics, mastery of statistical software is a crucial competency for economics students. Recognizing the importance of this skill, 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 Propensity Score Matching (PSM) Training in SUSENAS Data Analysis Using the STATA Application. This activity was held online via Zoom Meeting for two days, Saturday and Sunday (May 17–18, 2025).
The training featured keynote speaker M. Fajar Rakhmadi, SE, M.Ec., Director of RISED, who guided participants in understanding the concept and implementation of the Propensity Score Matching (PSM) method. This method is a quantitative approach used to evaluate policy impacts more precisely. In addition to theory, participants were also equipped with practical skills in using STATA, a statistical software widely used by academics and policy analysts.
The event was officially opened by Rumayya, SE, M.Reg. Dev., Ph.D., Coordinator of the Economics Study Program at FEB UNAIR, and Mas Atha Zaky Handika Putra, Head of the IE Undergraduate Student Association. In their remarks, both emphasized the importance of micro and macro data analysis skills as a foundation for developing high-quality, impactful research.
Participants were introduced to the National Socioeconomic Survey (SUSENAS) data from the Central Statistics Agency (BPS), which is one of the primary data sources for socioeconomic research in Indonesia. The training covered access techniques, understanding data structure, performing data cleaning , and implementing advanced analysis using PSM with the help of STATA.
The session was interactive and hands-on, with quizzes and case studies to reinforce understanding. In the case study, participants were asked to simulate a policy impact analysis based on SUSENAS data using the PSM approach. Their enthusiasm was evident in the numerous technical questions, ranging from the use of syntax , selecting appropriate variables, to interpreting the analysis results.
To conclude the training series, the committee awarded digital wallet (e-wallet) balances to participants with the best quiz scores. Participants also completed an evaluation questionnaire to inform future similar training programs.
This activity demonstrates the real commitment of the Student Association of Economics Undergraduate Program, Faculty of Economics and Business, Universitas Airlangga (FEB UNAIR), to supporting the strengthening of students' research capacity, particularly in utilizing technology and data to produce sharper policy analysis. Through synergy with RISED, this training is a concrete effort to prepare a young generation to excel in data-driven research and development.