UNAIR NEWS 鈥 Building a career in the financial services sector requires both strong commitment and sharp analytical skills. Mufli Asmawidjaja SH ME, a graduate of the Faculty of Law 东京热 (FH UNAIR), exemplifies those qualities. He currently serves as Executive Director and Head of the Legal Department at Indonesia鈥檚 Financial Services Authority (OJK). By combining his legal education from UNAIR with a master鈥檚 degree in economics, he has played a key role in overseeing legal and regulatory frameworks amid the rapid growth of Indonesia鈥檚 digital financial innovation sector.
Building character through the academic foundation of FH UNAIR
Reflecting on his years as a student in 1990, Asmawidjaja said that a career at an institution such as OJK had never crossed his mind, particularly because the authority had not yet been established at the time. For him, choosing FH UNAIR was driven by a belief that legal studies provide an essential foundation for understanding governance and public life, while also serving as a tool for advancing social justice.
鈥淭he greatest asset I gained from the university was not only legal knowledge, but also the ability to build relationships and communicate effectively,鈥 he said.
Combining Law and Economics to navigate digital finance challenges
As a legal scholar with advanced training in economics, Asmawidjaja has been able to integrate the two disciplines into a powerful analytical framework for developing public policies that have broad societal impact. His legal background, he said, provides a systematic way of thinking that has proven critical in his current role at OJK, particularly amid the disruption brought about by rapid advances in digital financial technology.
鈥淭he greatest challenge today is the pace of change driven by innovation in the digital financial sector. Regulations are expected to adapt continuously to evolving developments. This is where my legal education at UNAIR has shaped and strengthened my capabilities,鈥 he explained.
Living university鈥檚 motto and upholding integrity
As an alumnus, Asmawidjaja said he deeply embraces the university鈥檚 enduring motto, 鈥淓xcellence with Morality.鈥 He emphasized that the phrase has become both a guiding life principle and a moral compass throughout his public service career.
鈥淔or me, Excellence with Morality is not merely a slogan but a way of life. Competence and professionalism are important, but they must be built upon a foundation of integrity and moral responsibility,鈥 he said.
Concluding the interview, Asmawidjaja offered advice to current UNAIR students. He encouraged them to make the most of their university years by focusing on personal growth rather than becoming overly concerned about the future. He also urged students to participate actively in organizations and extracurricular activities to develop adaptability, leadership skills, and professional ethics.
鈥淭he professional world does not only need intelligent people; it also needs individuals who can adapt, communicate effectively, and uphold ethical standards. Most importantly, never stop learning. The world will continue to change, but those who remain committed to learning and maintaining integrity will always have opportunities to contribute to the nation,鈥 he concluded.
Author: Fauziah Laili Romadhon聽
Editor: Ragil Kukuh Imanto聽
