DENPASAR – Concluding her years of service as an educator at the age of 80, the Professor of Business Law at Udayana University (Unud), Prof. Dr. R.A. Retno Murni, S.H., M.H., Ph.D, officially launched a book entitled Comprehensive Perspectives on Business Law in Responding to the Challenges of Digitalization. The book launch took place at the Udayana University Campus on Jalan Sudirman, Denpasar, on Thursday (18/12/2025).
The 637-page book represents a collective body of thought from 45 Professors and Doctors from various universities across Indonesia and also incorporates international perspectives. Prof. Retno described the work as an intellectual legacy she wishes to leave as she enters retirement from her academic career.
“Retirement does not mean stopping one’s work. On the contrary, at this stage I want to leave something meaningful that can continue to be developed,” Prof. Retno said on the sidelines of the book launch.
Born in Yogyakarta on 26 November 1945, Prof. Retno explained that the idea for writing the book first emerged five years ago, when she was 75 years old. She sought to invite fellow academics from across higher education institutions to contribute to a single collaborative work that remains relevant to the evolving times.
As a lecturer in Business Law as well as a practitioner in the banking sector, Prof. Retno emphasized that business law is closely intertwined with the national economy. Therefore, the book is expected to be beneficial not only for students and academics, but also for the government and policymakers.
“This book is intended as a tool for evaluation and analysis, both of private and public business law, while also offering input for public policy,” she explained.
Notably, the book also presents an international viewpoint. One of its contributors is Gareth Benson, LLB, a non-permanent lecturer at Charles Darwin University, Australia, who discusses issues of artificial intelligence (AI) within the context of business law.
“There is an effort to bridge Eastern and Western perspectives. Digitalization and AI are global challenges that must be addressed comprehensively,” Prof. Retno added.
Meanwhile, Gareth Benson viewed the book launch as a forum for cross-disciplinary dialogue that integrates academic excellence, consumer protection, and cross-border innovation.
“Bali is increasingly affirming its role as a strategic hub that brings together education, law, industry, and the global digital economy,” Benson said.
The book launch was the result of a collaboration between the Faculty of Law, Udayana University, and The People’s Law Centre under the auspices of the Duta Bina Bhuana Foundation. The event was attended by a number of professors and academics from various universities, including Prof. Dr. Herowati Poesoko (University of Jember), Prof. Dr. M. Khoidin (University of Jember), Prof. Dr. Rahayu Hartini (Muhammadiyah University of Malang), as well as academics from Atma Jaya University Yogyakarta, President University, and Janabadra University.
On the same occasion, another book by Prof. Retno entitled 80 Years of Lighting the Candle was also launched. This book contains reflections and messages from friends, colleagues, and fellow academics who have accompanied Prof. Retno throughout her long journey in the field of legal education.
Through these two works, Prof. Retno once again reaffirmed her message to the younger generation of academics: age and retirement are not limits to continuing to create, contribute, and dedicate oneself to the advancement of knowledge. **
