Strengthening Understanding of Political Economy from a Marxist Perspective and Alternative Economic Concepts Among Development Economics Students at State University of Makassar

Abstract

This community service activity aims to enhance the understanding of Economics Development students at Universitas Negeri Makassar regarding political economy from a Marxist perspective, along with alternative economic thoughts such as Muhammad Hatta's cooperative economics and Islamic economics. The seminar, held on January 23, 2025, sought to balance students' comprehension of economic theories, particularly in identifying the relevance of Marxist analysis to Indonesia's current socio-economic conditions. Through interactive discussions, students successfully grasped that each economic concept is tied to specific historical contexts, with some—like cooperative economics and Islamic economics—remaining applicable to Indonesia's economic development framework. The results indicate improved student comprehension of critical economic thinking, supporting more holistic and socially just economic development analysis.