EQUITAS is a powerful and meaningful abbreviation for the "Equitable Transformation for Alleviating Poverty and Inequality." It conveys a sense of balance, fairness, and equity. Its strong and memorable acronym reflects the group's commitment to addressing poverty and inequality.
Equitable Transformation for Alleviating Poverty and Inequality (Equitas) is a working group under the auspices of the Economics Laboratory of the Faculty of Economics and Business in Universitas Gadjah Mada. EQUITAS aims to be a center of excellence for research on poverty and inequality in Indonesia. EQUITAS is expected to be able to produce research, studies, bulletins, and opinion columns that can be used as references for policy makers and as a source of information for the wider community.
In executing its role, EQUITAS FEB UGM has a vision to:
- Serve as the academic nucleus for undergraduate (S1), master’s (S2), and doctoral (S3) students passionately delving into research within the realms of poverty and inequality, offering them a vibrant and enriching scholarly environment.
- Forge robust connections between the Faculty of Economics and Business, UGM, and esteemed partners in the field of poverty and inequality studies (such as TNP2K, UNICEF, World Bank). EQUITAS aims to act as a pivotal research channel and provide valuable research feedback, aligning seamlessly with the evolving needs of the field.
EQUITAS stands at the intersection of various cutting-edge fields, creating a dynamic synergy with:
- Development Economics: Pioneering health and education initiatives tailored for underprivileged families, fostering impactful socio-economic transformation.
- Urban Economics: Innovating urban planning solutions, particularly in slum areas, and shaping policies that harmonize rural-urban relations, ensuring sustainable development for low-income households.
- Environmental and Energy Economics: Pioneering studies on the profound impact of environmental degradation on disadvantaged communities, while navigating the intricate landscape of affordable energy solutions, predominantly sourced from non-renewable reserves.
- Crime and Political Economics: Illuminating the landscape of corruption, collusion, and nepotism within poverty alleviation programs, as EQUITAS champions integrity to rectify misallocations and bridge societal disparities.
- Educational Economics: Spearheading equitable access to education for marginalized households, fostering educational programs that serve as a launchpad for upward mobility, and championing digital inclusivity to bridge gaps within impoverished communities.