Evaluating the Nexus Between Exports, Imports, GDP, and Gross Capital Formation in South Africa

Purpose: This study evaluates the connection between exports, imports, GDP, and gross capital formation in South Africa.Method: The study employed the AutoRegressive Distributed Lag (ARDL) method, along with unit root tests to validate data stationarity, and bounds testing to confirm long-run cointegration among the variables. EViews 12 software was used to analyze the data spanning from 1986 to 2022.Results: The findings indicate a statistically significant positive relationship between imports and gross capital formation at the 1% level, suggesting that imports stimulate gross capital formation in South Africa. Exports also demonstrate a direct connection with gross capital formation. Empirically, both exports and imports are significant factors in enhancing the level of gross capital formation in the country. This indicates that increasing the gross domestic product (GDP) is crucial for diversifying exports, with economic policy being a major determinant that can promote investment in gross capital formation to boost both exports and imports. This sets the foundation for ensuring that exports and imports have a long-term impact on gross capital formation (GrCaF).Practical Implications for Economic Growth and Development: This study contributes to economic growth and development by highlighting the critical role of imports and exports in enhancing gross capital formation, which in turn improves the South African economy. The findings suggest that robust policies should be implemented, including tax cuts, increased infrastructure development, the promotion of manufactured goods, and advancements in domestic technologies. The government must provide stronger support for domestic industries to translate these efforts into economic growth and development

What Drives Digital Payment Adoption? Examining the Role of Ease of Use, Security, and Trust

Purpose: This research examines the factors affecting the adoption of digital payments, focusing on how perceived ease of use and perceived security impact this adoption, with user trust serving as a mediating variable.Method: Data were collected in Cirebon City through a survey conducted via Google Forms, distributed both online and offline. A total of 180 respondents participated in the study. The sampling technique employed was purposive sampling, targeting individuals who currently use or have used digital payments. The data were analyzed using structural equation modeling with the partial least squares (SEM-PLS) approach.Result: The study\u27s findings indicate that both perceived ease of use and perceived security significantly influence user trust. Additionally, these factors also have a notable impact on the adoption of digital payments. User trust effectively mediates the relationship between perceived security and digital payment adoption.Practical Implications for Economic Growth and Development: This study highlight the importance for service providers to streamline digital transaction processes, enhance security measures, and offer transparent education on data protection to foster greater adoption of digital payments. The rise in digital payment usage not only enhances financial literacy but also promotes financial inclusion within society. This research offers valuable insights for the financial industry and regulators in developing policies that can bolster public trust in digital payment systems, ultimately contributing to a more advanced, inclusive, and sustainable digital economy in Indonesia

The Impact of Corporate Governance and Dividend Policy on Firm Value in Indonesian Non-Financial Firms

Purpose: This research examines the impact of good corporate governance (GCG) and dividend policy on the firm value of non-financial companies listed on the Indonesian Stock Exchange (IDX).Method: The study focuses on 803 non-financial firms listed on the IDX during 2021 to 2023. From this population, a sample of 45 firms was selected using a purposive sampling method. The research utilized secondary data derived from financial statements of the sampled firms and employed panel data regression analysis conducted with EViews 12 software.Result: The findings reveal that institutional ownership significantly and positively affects firm value. Conversely, managerial ownership exerts a significant negative impact on firm value. Meanwhile, the proportion of independent commissioners and dividend policy show a positive but statistically insignificant effect on firm value.Practical Implications for Economic Growth and Development: The study highlights that good corporate governance, particularly institutional ownership, can enhance firm value and potentially driving economic growth by improving market confidence and investment. Additionally, understanding the relationship between dividend policy and firm value can inform better financial strategies that foster long-term stability and growth in non-financial sectors

Syamsul Anwar’s Vision: Establishing a Unified Global Islamic Calendar

This article examines Syamsul Anwar\u27s endeavours to promote the unification of the global Hijri calendar, which is essential for aligning Islamic religious observances, including Ramadan, Eid al-Fitr, and Eid al-Adha. Discrepancies in establishing the commencement of the Hijri month, especially in Indonesia, arise from the contrasting methodologies employed by Nahdatul Ulama, which relies on rukyat (moon sighting), and Muhammadiyah, which utilizes hisab (astronomical calculations). Syamsul Anwar\u27s methods aims to amalgamate these techniques via five fundamental principles: acknowledgement of hisab, transference of imkanu rukyat, the cohesion of matlak, worldwide synchronization of days and dates, and acknowledgement of the International Date Line. The study employs qualitative methodologies, such as observation, interviews, and document analysis, to comprehend Anwar\u27s perspectives. Notwithstanding extensive backing from Islamic astronomy professors, obstacles persist in Indonesia owing to the cultural importance of rukyat. This study suggests that additional research and discourse are necessary to reconcile these disparities and establish a worldwide unified Hijri calendar, thereby minimizing inconsistencies in religious rituals throughout the Muslim world

Tourism Marketing Communication Strategy For West Sumatra in Promoting Tourism Events to Increase Tourist Visits in 2023

Purpose: The West Sumatra Provincial Government launched "Visit Beautiful West Sumatra 2023," a post-pandemic activation program aimed at increasing the number of tourist visits to West Sumatra by implementing events. This study aims to analyze and understand the tourism marketing communication strategy of the West Sumatra Government in promoting the "Visit Beautiful West Sumatra 2023" program to boost tourist visits to West Sumatra. Method: The research method used is descriptive qualitative with a case study approach. The results indicate that the strategy currently employed by the West Sumatra government has been quite successful in promoting tourism events. Result: This success is reflected in the 137 percent increase in tourist visits to West Sumatra during 2023, surpassing the target of 8.2 million visitors. This study concludes that the success of this marketing communication strategy can be measured by the high number of tourists visiting West Sumatra in 2023. Contribution: The marketing communication strategy of the West Sumatra Tourism Province can serve as an example and be applied by provinces, regencies, and cities in Indonesia to increase tourist visits

The Role of Carbon Market in Net Zero Emission: Economic Impact of Carbon Credit and Forest Conservation in Indonesia

Purpose: This study analyzes the role of the carbon market in achieving Net Zero Emissions, focusing on how carbon credit development and tropical forest conservation can create new economic opportunities in Indonesia.Method: This research employs a qualitative descriptive approach, using a case study of the REDD+ project in Indonesia. Data was collected through semi-structured interviews with various stakeholders, including government officials, local communities, and environmental organizations. Thematic analysis was utilized to identify key patterns related to the economic benefits and technical challenges of the carbon market.Result: The study finds that the carbon market can provide substantial economic benefits through carbon credit trading, attracting investments in green technology and sustainability programs. It also has the potential to raise awareness of the importance of conserving tropical forests as critical carbon sinks. However, challenges such as regulatory gaps, limited community participation in decision-making, and technological constraints for monitoring and reporting must be addressed.Practical Implications for Economic Growth and Development: Indonesia can harness the carbon market to drive sustainable economic growth while supporting environmental preservation and global carbon emission reductions. Active stakeholder engagement, technological capacity building, and regulatory strengthening are crucial for the successful implementation of the carbon market in the future

Impact of Greenwashing and Perceived Value on Purchase Intention in the Bottled Drinking Water Industry: Mediating Role of Trust

Purpose: This study investigates the effects of greenwashing and green perceived value on green purchase intention, with green trust serving as a mediating variable. It aims to provide deeper insights into the factors shaping consumer decisions when choosing bottled drinking water products.Method: A quantitative research approach was employed, using questionnaires to collect primary data from 200 respondents in the Solo Raya region who had purchased or consumed Le Minerale products. Respondents were selected through purposive sampling to ensure alignment with the study\u27s objectives. The data were analyzed using Partial Least Squares-Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) with SMARTPLS software.Result: The findings reveal that both greenwashing and green perceived value significantly influence green trust, which, in turn, mediates their impact on green purchase intention. This highlights the pivotal role of transparency in sustainability claims and emphasizes the need for companies to communicate authentic environmental benefits. By fostering trust, businesses can promote long-term sustainable consumption behaviors and strengthen consumer confidence in green products.Practical Implications for Economic Growth and Development: This study underscores the importance of transparency and consistent communication in building consumer trust in environmental commitments. Such efforts not only expand the market for eco-friendly products but also contribute to the development of a more sustainable economy. Moreover, minimizing greenwashing practices can drive innovation and encourage sustainability-focused production processes, supporting both economic growth and environmental responsibility

THE LITERACY MOVEMENT OF INDONESIAN LANGUAGE LEARNING IN ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

The low literacy skills of students in primary schools are an important concern in an effort to improve the quality of education. The Literacy Movement is expected to improve students\u27 reading, writing, speaking and listening skills which are basic elements in Indonesian language learning. This research uses a qualitative approach with a descriptive research type that aims to describe in depth the phenomena that occur in the field related to the implementation of the Literacy Movement. The data collection methods used were observation, in-depth interviews and documentation. Sources of research data include teachers, grade IV students, and documents related to learning activities at SDN 61 Bima City. The data analysis technique used was descriptive qualitative analysis, in which the collected data was analyzed to describe the effectiveness of literacy implementation. The results showed that the implementation of the literacy movement had a positive impact on improving students\u27 reading creativity as shown by data related to the effectiveness of the implementation of the literacy movement, namely reading, writing, speaking, listening and the literacy environment getting good results. The form of literacy activities implemented at SDN 61 Kota Bima, namely the literacy stage and the use of Augmented Reality technology, succeeded in improving students\u27 literacy skills and had a positive impact on their academic development, as well as creating a more interactive and fun learning environment

What Drives Generation Z’s Financial Behaviors? The Influence of Financial Literacy, Financial Socialization, and Self-Control

Purpose: This study aims to examine the influence of financial literacy, financial socialization, and self-control on the financial behaviors of Generation Z.Method: This research employs a quantitative approach, utilizing an online questionnaire distributed through Google Forms to university students. The sample was selected using a purposive sampling technique, resulting in 185 respondents. The collected data was analyzed using multiple linear regression and t-test, with the assistance of SPSS software version 2.6.Result: The findings indicate that financial socialization and self-control significantly positively affect the financial behaviors of Generation Z. In contrast, financial literacy does not have a significant impact on these behaviors among university students. This suggests that external influences, such as parental guidance or peer discussions, and personal traits like self-discipline, play a more dominant role in financial decision-making than mere financial knowledge.Practical Implications for Economic Growth and Development: This study contributes by fostering better financial behaviors among Generation Z, who will soon enter the workforce and drive economic activities. By highlighting the importance of financial socialization and self-control, the research provides insights for policymakers and educators to design targeted financial education programs that enhance financial decision-making. In the long run, improved financial behaviors can lead to higher savings rates, reduced debt burdens, and more sustainable economic participation, ultimately strengthening financial stability and economic resilience

Korelasi Dana Pihak Ketiga, Capital Adequacy Ratio, Non Performing Financing Terhadap Pembiayaan Pada PT. Bank Muamalat Indonesia

This study aims to analyze the relationship between third party funds, capital adequacy ratio, non-performing financing partially and simultaneously on financing at PT. Bank Muamalat Indonesia. The object of this study is the quarterly financial report of PT. Bank Muamalat Indonesia for the period 2018-2022. The data collection technique uses documentation with multiple linear regression analysis tests. The results of the t-test analysis show that partially the DPK variable has no effect on financing with a significance value of 0.100> 0.05 and a t-count value of 1.748 <t table 2.120. The NPF variable does not affect financing because the significance value is 0.308> 0.05 with a t-count value of 1.054 <2.120. The CAR variable affects financing with a significance value of 0.00 <0.05 and a t-count value of 7.131> 2.120. Simultaneously, the DPK, CAR, and NPF variables affect financing. This is proven by the sig-F value of 0.00 < 0.05 and the comparison of F table (3.20) < F count (21,773). The predictive ability of the three variables on financing is 76.6% as indicated by the amount of adjusted R2, while the remaining 23.4% is influenced by other ratio factors