The importance of implementing a quantitative approach, including statistics and econometrics, in identifying and evaluating the behavior of business actors that have the potential to violate the principles of fair competition. Revealed by Dr. Eugenia Mardanugraha, S.Si., M.E. Commissioner of Komisi Pengawas Persaingan Usaha (KPPU) who is also a Lecturer at the Faculty of Economics and Business, University of Indonesia. In the guest lecture “Statistics and Data Science in Business Competition Analysis” held by the Data Science Research Group and MOCO, Department of Mathematics, FMIPA UNEJ (7/7). Dr. Eugenia also explained that Law No. 5 of 1999 is the basis for KPPU to prevent monopolistic practices, cartels, and unfair market control. The guest lecture was held offline at the UNEJ Entrepreneurship Building and online on the UNEJ FMIPA Youtube channel.
Previously at the opening, the Dean of FMIPA UNEJ, Prof. Drs. Dafik, M.Sc., Ph.D. invited the participants to get to know KPPU and the role of statistics and data science in business competition. “It is an honor for FMIPA, Dr. Eugenia from KPPU is pleased to attend and give a guest lecture for lecturers, students, practitioners in reviewing the role of statistics and data science for business competition analysis,” he said. A similar thing was also conveyed by Dr. Kiswara Agung Santoso, S.Si. M.Kom. Head of the Mathematics Department of FMIPA who hopes that similar activities can be held often to increase students’ insight.
The guest lecture was moderated by Dr. Alfian Futuhul Hadi, S.Si. M.Si. Lecturer in Mathematics and Member of KeRis Data Science. In her presentation, Dr. Eugenia discussed strategic topics, among others. “To detect collusion and predatory pricing, we must understand the structure and theory of economic competition, monopoly and oligopoly analysis, market concentration index, and econometric techniques,” she explained. It was also said that the role of statistical data in market analysis and the strength of business actors is also a concern. “The book Quantitative Techniques for Competition and Antitrust Analysis by Davis and Garcés is the main reference in enforcing competition law in various countries,” she continued.
Dr. Eugenia also discussed several cases that have recently been rampant in Indonesia and around the world. “In order to anticipate the latest rampant cases, a business competition policy is needed regarding monopolies and abuse of market power, mergers and acquisitions, cartels and acquisitions, and predatory pricing,” she said. Therefore, the role of MIPA graduates is needed with knowledge of statistics and data science for analyzing business competition. After the presentation of the material, the guest lecture participants were given the opportunity to conduct a Q&A with the resource person.
There were several questions raised by the participants, including those related to the increase in fares which resulted in a 20% decrease in income for online motorcycle taxi drivers and combining two theories that are the basis for KPPU in making policies. In addition, questions were also raised by participants who attended the FMIPA UNEJ Youtube Live Streaming regarding how KPPU overcomes the inequality or data gap between large companies that have a lot of data and small businesses with limited data.
The guest lecture opened the insights of students and academics about the major role of statistical and economic data in maintaining a healthy and fair business ecosystem. “Hopefully, this understanding can inspire further research and cross-field collaboration, especially in realizing inclusive and sustainable economic development,” concluded the moderator Dr. Alfian while closing the material session. The guest lecture event ended with the distribution of prizes to selected questioners, book exchange and a photo session with the speakers and guest lecture participants.