Jakarta, October 15, 2026 — The Sharia Economics Study Program at the Faculty of Economics and Business (FEB), UIN Syarif Hidayatullah Jakarta, held an international guest lecture titled “How Do Households Make Choices? Consumer Behavior from a Microeconomic Perspective,” featuring Dr. Olatundji Shobandi from Hartwick College, New York, United States. The session took place at the Teater Datar on the 5th floor of the new FEB building and was attended by students from two classes within the Sharia Economics Study Program.
Ali Rama, Ph.D., Head of the Sharia Economics Study Program and instructor for the Introduction to Microeconomics course, stated that this initiative is part of the program’s commitment to providing an international learning experience by involving overseas academics in specific courses. “We want our students to gain a global perspective firsthand, understand the application of economic theory in daily life, and experience learning alongside an international academic early on in their studies,” he said.

During the lecture, Dr. Olatundji Shobandi discussed how households make consumption decisions by considering preferences, income, prices, and resource constraints. This material helped students grasp the concept of consumer choice within microeconomics and its relevance in explaining the economic behavior of society.

Dr. Olatundji expressed his appreciation for the opportunity to interact directly with the Sharia Economics students at UIN Jakarta. According to him, the study of microeconomics becomes more meaningful when students not only understand the theory but are also able to connect it to everyday economic decisions. He also emphasized the importance of critical thinking and active student participation when discussing economic issues.
Meanwhile, Annisa, a first-semester student in the Sharia Economics Study Program, noted that the session offered a unique learning experience. “This lecture helped me understand how microeconomic theory explains household decisions and consumer behavior. Learning directly from an international lecturer also broadened my perspective and motivated me to study economics in greater depth,” she shared. Through this initiative, the Sharia Economics Study Program at the Faculty of Economics and Business (FEB) of UIN Jakarta aims to further strengthen the internationalization of learning, enhance the quality of students' academic experiences, and foster an educational environment that is open to global perspectives and scholarly practices (AR).