Abstract Konferensi

Subject: Abstract Submission:                      [ Rohmandar and Sari Dewi ] – 9th Swedish Conference in Economics 2026

Date: [Current Date, e.g., May 7, 2026]

To:

The Program Committee

9th Swedish Conference in Economics

Jönköping International Business School (JIBS)

Jönköping University

Sweden

Dear Members of the Program 8,

I am writing to submit my abstract for consideration for presentation at the 9th Swedish Conference in Economics, scheduled to take place on November 20–21, 2026, at Jönköping University.

Paper Title:

Beyond Linearity: Identifying Asymmetric and Non-Linear Dynamics in Urban-Rural Inequality through a Theonomic Framework

Author(s):Opsi 2:                                      Asep Rohmandar

Independent Researcher of Sunda Nusantara Community (MPMSN) and Sundaland Researchers Society

rohmandarasep54@gmail.com / rasep7029@gmail.com

+6283821543522

Wulan Sari Dewi

Alumni of Management & Business Faculty, UNIBI Bandung

wulansdewi239@gmail.com / +6282127386059

Abstract Summary:

This paper addresses the persistent challenge of urban-rural economic disparities by integrating advanced non-linear econometric methods with a normative theonomic framework. Using panel data from over 100 countries and case studies from Indonesia, India, Brazil, and Sub-Saharan Africa, I employ Panel Threshold Regression (PTR) and Smooth Transition Autoregressive (STAR) models to identify institutional thresholds and hysteresis effects in inequality dynamics.

The study argues that conventional linear models often overlook the asymmetric nature of policy impacts. My findings suggest that infrastructure investments only effectively reduce inequality when local institutional quality exceeds a specific threshold. Furthermore, by incorporating principles of imago Dei (human dignity), stewardship (ecological responsibility), and subsidiarity (local autonomy), the paper offers a robust ethical foundation for spatial justice policies. This interdisciplinary approach aligns with the conference’s aim to foster diverse perspectives in economic research.

Declaration:

I confirm that this work is original, has not been published previously, and is not currently under consideration for publication elsewhere. I have read the submission guidelines and agree to the terms set by the Swedish Economic Association and JIBS.

Thank you for your time and consideration. I look forward to the possibility of contributing to the academic dialogue at Jönköping.

Sincerely,

(Signature)

Asep Rohmandar

Independent Researcher of Sunda Nusantara Community (MPMSN) and Sundaland Researchers Society

rohmandarasep54@gmail.com / rasep7029@gmail.com

+6283821543522

Wulan Sari Dewi

Alumni of Management & Business Faculty, UNIBI Bandung

wulansdewi239@gmail.com / +6282127386059

Ämne: Inlämnande av abstract: [Rohmandar and Sari Dewi] – 9:e Svenska Konferensen i Nationalekonomi 2026

Till:

Programkommittén

9:e Svenska Konferensen i Nationalekonomi

Jönköping International Business School (JIBS)

Jönköpings Universitet

Sverige

Bästa medlemmar i programkommittén,

Jag skriver till er för att lämna in mitt abstract för övervägande till presentation vid den 9:e Svenska Konferensen i Nationalekonomi, som äger rum den 20–21 november 2026 vid Jönköpings Universitet.

Titel på uppsatsen:

Bortom linjäritet: Identifiering av asymmetriska och icke-linjära dynamiker i stad-landsbygdens ojämlikhet genom ett teonomiskt ramverk

(Originaltitel på engelska: Beyond Linearity: Identifying Asymmetric and Non-Linear Dynamics in Urban-Rural Inequality through a Theonomic Framework)

Författare:                                                Asep Rohmandar

Independent Researcher of Sunda Nusantara Community (MPMSN) and Sundaland Researchers Society

rohmandarasep54@gmail.com / rasep7029@gmail.com

+6283821543522

Wulan Sari Dewi

Alumni of Management & Business Faculty, UNIBI Bandung

wulansdewi239@gmail.com / +6282127386059

Sammanfattning:

Denna studie adresserar de bestående ekonomiska klyftorna mellan stad och landsbygd genom att integrera avancerade icke-linjära ekonometriska metoder med ett normativt teonomiskt ramverk. Med hjälp av paneldatabaser från över 100 länder samt fallstudier från Indonesien, Indien, Brasilien och Subsahariska Afrika, använder jag Panel Threshold Regression (PTR) och Smooth Transition Autoregressive (STAR)-modeller för att identifiera institutionella tröskelvärden och hystereseffekter i ojämlikhetsdynamiken.

Studien argumenterar för att konventionella linjära modeller ofta förbiser den asymmetriska naturen hos politiska åtgärder. Mina resultat tyder på att infrastrukturinvesteringar endast effektivt minskar ojämlikheten när den lokala institutionella kvaliteten överstiger en viss tröskelnivå. Genom att inkorporera principer om imago Dei (mänsklig värdighet), förvaltarskap (ekologiskt ansvar) och subsidiaritet (lokalt självbestämmande), erbjuder uppsatsen en etisk grund för rättvisepolitiken inom rumslig ekonomi. Detta tvärvetenskapliga förhållningssätt stämmer väl överens med konferensens mål att främja mångsidiga perspektiv inom ekonomisk forskning.

Försäkran:

Jag intygar att detta arbete är original, inte har publicerats tidigare, och för närvarande inte är under övervägande för publicering någon annanstans. Jag har läst inlämningsriktlinjerna och godkänner villkoren som fastställts av Svenska Nationalekonomiföreningen och JIBS.

Tack för er tid och övervägande. Jag ser fram emot möjligheten att bidra till den akademiska dialogen i Jönköping.

Med vänlig hälsning,

(Signatur)

Asep Rohmandar

Independent Researcher of Sunda Nusantara Community (MPMSN) and Sundaland Researchers Society

rohmandarasep54@gmail.com / rasep7029@gmail.com

+6283821543522

Wulan Sari Dewi

Alumni of Management & Business Faculty, UNIBI Bandung

wulansdewi239@gmail.com / +6282127386059

Conference: 9th Swedish Conference in Economics  

Date: 20–21 November 2026  

Location: Jönköping International Business School (JIBS), Sweden  

Submission Email: 2026econconference@ju.se  

1. Title of the Paper

Beyond Linearity: Identifying Asymmetric and Non-Linear Dynamics in Urban-Rural Inequality through a Theonomic Framework

2. Author(s) Information

a. Asep Rohmandar                        Masyarakat Peneliti Mandiri Sunda Nusantara (MPMSN) dan Sundaland Researchers Society  rohmandarasep54@gmail.com/ rasep7029@gmail.com                            +6283821543522                                             b. Wulan Sari Dewi                                    Alumni  Fakultas Manajemen & Bisnis UNIBI Bandung            wulansdewi239@gmail.com/ +6282127386059                                                                                 

c. Corresponding Author: Yes/No

3. Abstract Text (Max 300–400 words)

Background & Objective:

Persistent urban-rural economic disparities remain a critical challenge in development economics, often exacerbated by asymmetric shocks and non-linear structural traps. Conventional models (e.g., Lewis, Harris-Todaro, New Economic Geography) frequently assume linear convergence and overlook the normative dimensions of spatial justice. This paper aims to bridge this gap by integrating advanced non-linear econometrics with a theonomic framework—grounded in principles of imago Dei (human dignity), stewardship (ecological responsibility), and subsidiarity (local autonomy)—to analyze the dynamics of inequality.

Methodology:

Using panel data from [Number, e.g., 100+] countries (2000–2023) and case studies from Indonesia, India, Brazil, and Sub-Saharan Africa, we employ:

1.  Panel Threshold Regression (PTR): To identify institutional thresholds where infrastructure investment effectively reduces inequality.

2.  Smooth Transition Autoregressive (STAR) Models: To detect hysteresis effects and non-linear persistence in rural poverty traps.

3.  Machine Learning Clustering (Random Forest/SHAP): To isolate key drivers of asymmetry, such as land rights security and digital connectivity.

4.  Theonomic Normative Analysis: Interpreting empirical findings through ethical lenses of distributive justice and common good.

Key Findings:

Our results reveal significant asymmetry: Infrastructure investments only reduce inequality when local institutional quality exceeds a specific threshold (gamma approx 0.65). Below this threshold, decentralization may worsen gaps due elite capture. We also find strong non-linear hysteresis, indicating that rural regions trapped in high-inequality regimes require aggressive, sustained interventions rather than marginal adjustments. Crucially, variables reflecting "theonomic values"—such as participatory decision-making (imago Dei), ecological restoration (stewardship), and secure land tenure—emerge as statistically significant predictors of sustainable convergence.

Implications:

The study proposes a policy framework that transcends technical fixes. We argue for:

1. Progressive Fiscal Reform: Prioritizing rural human capital and digital infrastructure as rights, not commodities.

2.  Institutional Strengthening: Enhancing local subsidiarity to prevent elite capture.

3.  Ecological-Economic Integration: Aligning rural development with stewardship principles to ensure intergenerational equity.

This paper contributes to the literature by demonstrating that integrating normative theonomic principles with rigorous non-linear econometrics offers a more robust pathway to spatial justice.

4. Keywords

Urban-Rural Inequality; Non-Linear Econometrics; Panel Threshold Regression; Theonomic Economics; Spatial Justice; Stewardship; Institutional Quality; Development Ethics.

5. JEL Classification Codes

a.  O18: Urban, Rural, Regional, and Transportation Analysis

b.  C23: Panel Data Models; Spatio-temporal Models

c.  I38: Government Policy; Provision and Effects of Welfare Programs

d.  Z12: Religion and Economics (Ethics/Theonomy)

e. Q56: Environment and Development; Sustainability

6. Session Preference (Optional)

a.  Suggested Track: Development Economics / Political Economy / Economic History & Thought

b.  Format Preference: Oral Presentation (20 mins + 10 mins Q&A)

7. Additional Comments for Program Committee

This paper aligns with the conference’s goal of fostering interdisciplinary dialogue. It uniquely combines quantitative rigor with normative ethical inquiry, offering fresh insights into how moral frameworks can inform empirical economic modeling. The author is open to feedback on both the econometric specifications and the philosophical underpinnings.

Bandung  City, 07 May  2026