The Development Economics Debate Team from the Faculty of Economics and Business, Bung Hatta University, Won Second Place in the Empow Law Debate Competition

Padang, September 20, 2025 — The Debate Team of the Development Economics Study Program, Faculty of Economics and Business, Bung Hatta University, won second place in the Empow Law Debate Competition 4.5, organized by the Student Executive Board of the Faculty of Economics and Business, Padang State University. Active students from across West Sumatra, including Diploma 3, Diploma 4, and Bachelor's degree programs, participated in the competition.

This year's debate competition, titled "Gender-Based Violence: Creating a Safe Space and Understanding Ignored Wounds," explored strategic issues in law, economics, and social policy.

The Debate Team of the Development Economics Study Program, Faculty of Economics and Business, Bung Hatta University, consisted of:

• Rifaldi Baeha

• Popi Anjela

• Rani Basri Tanjung

The three students presented confidently, with strong arguments, in-depth mastery of the material, and solid teamwork, advancing to the final round and securing second place.

Rifaldi, a team member, stated that participating in this debate competition was a valuable opportunity.

"This is a source of pride for us because we can represent our alma mater. Competitions like this train us to be bold in expressing our opinions and defending them with strong arguments," he said.

The Dean of the Faculty of Economics and Business, Dr. Erni Febrina Harahap, S.E.,M.Si, expressed her appreciation for this achievement. She stated that this achievement demonstrates that Bung Hatta University's FEB students excel not only in academics but also in critical thinking, communication, and leadership skills.

Meanwhile, the Head of the Development Economics Study Program, Nurul Huda, S.E.,M.Si, stated that the Development Economics Study Program is committed to supporting students' potential, both academic and non-academic, so they can compete at the regional, national, and international levels.

This achievement is expected to inspire other students to continue to excel and be active in activities that enhance their competencies.