He stresses that achieving a green economy requires systemic behavioral changes, efficient resource management, and institutional alignment—lessons he often illustrates using international examples, particularly from Japan.
PELAKITA.ID – Prof. Drs. Muhammad Yusri Zamhuri, M.A., Ph.D., is one of Indonesia’s most distinguished economists and academic leaders.
His extensive contributions to Universitas Hasanuddin (Unhas) have left a lasting legacy, particularly in sustainability, green economy, and public policy, where his leadership has fostered innovation, research excellence, and student empowerment.
Early Life and Academic Formation
Born on 6 August 1961 in Lowu-Lowu, Buton, Prof. Yusri Zamhuri laid the foundation for his distinguished career through rigorous academic preparation. He earned his Bachelor of Economics (Drs) from Universitas Hasanuddin, followed by a Master of Arts in Economics at Georgia State University’s Andrew Young School of Policy Studies.
He later attained a Ph.D. in Economics from Ryukoku University in Kyoto, Japan. This diverse international exposure equipped him with a broad perspective on economics, development, and public policy.
Roles and Leadership at Universitas Hasanuddin
Prof. Yusri Zamhuri has held key academic and leadership positions at Unhas. He served as the Executive Director of the SDGs Center, where he played a pivotal role in embedding sustainability into Unhas’s academic programs, research initiatives, and community engagement projects.
Following his tenure, the SDGs Center leadership continued under Prof. Amiruddin from the Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences (MIPA).
As a senior lecturer, Prof. Yusri teaches Doctoral Class Development Studies at Unhas, sharing his expertise in economic policy, development strategy, and sustainability with graduate students.
His prior tenure as Chair of the Department of Economics (2014–2018) and his editorial role in the Bulletin of Socioeconomic Studies underscore his influence in shaping both curriculum and research standards at the university.
Under his leadership, the SDGs Center became a hub for interdisciplinary collaboration, connecting academia, policymakers, and industry to advance sustainable development in Indonesia.
Advancing Sustainability and Green Economy
Prof. Yusri Zamhuri is widely recognized for his advocacy of the green economy. At national economics seminars, such as Neforia, he has emphasized that economic policies should integrate environmental sustainability as a central component, not merely as a compliance requirement.
He stresses that achieving a green economy requires systemic behavioral changes, efficient resource management, and institutional alignment—lessons he often illustrates using international examples, particularly from Japan.
Through the SDGs Center, he has organized webinars and stakeholder engagements on renewable energy and energy transition, fostering dialogue that bridges academic research with regional policy solutions, particularly in Eastern Indonesia.
He actively encourages students to participate in sustainability initiatives, from campus greening projects to advocacy for sustainable transport and responsible waste management.
Public Policy and Economic Thought Leadership
As a public intellectual, Prof. Yusri Zamhuri analyzes macroeconomic trends and policy issues with clarity and insight.
He has addressed challenges facing Indonesia’s middle class amid inflation and income stagnation, advocating for inclusive policies and strong domestic economic foundations.
Highlighting Indonesia’s vulnerability as a “small open economy,” he emphasizes the importance of government interventions to correct market failures, provide public goods, and reduce inequality.
Legacy and Impact
Prof. Yusri Zamhuri’s legacy at Unhas is multifaceted:
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Bridging Economics and Sustainability: Integrating rigorous economic analysis with sustainability principles, he has developed practical solutions for societal and environmental challenges.
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Institution Building: His leadership helped establish the SDGs Center as a model for operationalizing sustainable development in higher education and public policy.
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Thought Leadership: His research, lectures, and public commentary shape students, policymakers, and the broader public in understanding inclusive growth, green economy, and social equity.
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Academic Influence: As a senior lecturer and former department chair, he has mentored generations of students in economics and development studies, producing scholars equipped to address Indonesia’s complex developmental challenges.
In summary, Prof. Muhammad Yusri Zamhuri exemplifies the integration of scholarship, leadership, and social responsibility.
His commitment to sustainable development, economic thought, and policy innovation has strengthened Universitas Hasanuddin’s academic stature and influenced a generation of leaders dedicated to inclusive and environmentally responsible development.
His enduring impact will continue to resonate across academia, public policy, and Indonesian society.
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Editor by Kamaruddin Azis