Surabaya – Ning Lia has been a prominent figure in the public eye, known for her prowess as an activist, including serving as the Chairwoman of the Women Farmers’ DPD HKTI East Java and the Secretary of MUI East Java. She is also an author of motivational romantic books such as ‘Berkisah Tentang Hati’ (‘Tales of the Heart’), as well as several other books like ‘Resilience of Sexual Harassment Victims’ and ‘Framing National Education’. She even ventured into the world of music, releasing songs with themes revolving around agriculture, which she penned herself.
Senator Dr. Lia Istifhama, S.Sos., S.H.I., S.Sos.i., M.E.I., known affectionately as Ning Lia, has once again been recognized for her contributions, achievements, and innovations.
This time, Ning Lia has received an award from the prestigious independent institution Indonesia Award Magazine in the category of “Indonesia Next Future Leader 2024”.
The award ceremony took place during the 4.0 Award Trends ceremony held at the Hotel Mercure Grand Mirama Hotel Surabaya on Friday, April 26, 2024.
Given her track record, it comes as no surprise that she has been honored by Indonesia Award Magazine, a reputable institution in Indonesia known for its highly credible, exclusive, and prestigious awards across various sectors, including public figures, bureaucrats, companies, and social institutions.
Despite not holding any public office, the niece of the Governor of East Java continues to receive accolades. This is the achievement of Dr. Lia Istifhama, a social activist who garnered the highest votes nationally as a non-incumbent female senator in the 2024 elections.
“Indonesia Award Magazine has been recognizing awards to Professional Leaders, from the ranks of the National Police, TNI, Entrepreneurs, Bureaucrats, Executives, Politicians, and Educators who have undergone a rigorous selection process. We play an active role in awarding those who have proven to show ‘Opportunity For Improvement’. And Ning Lia is one of them,” explained the Director of Research Feasibility Awards of Indonesia Award Magazine, Dr. Ketut Abid Halimi, S.Pdi, M.Pd.C.Ht.
Dr. Ketut Abid Halimi, renowned as the best motivator in Asia, further stated that the selection of the female senator from East Java was due to her successful establishment and demonstration of personal branding that continues to inspire and revolutionize mentalities, setting an example worthy of emulation.
“Ning Lia is an incredibly inspirational figure, not only for women but also for the young generation of Indonesia,” said the motivator from Bali.
Ning Lia herself expressed gratitude for the award she received.
“I am truly grateful if the processes I have undergone have been positively received by the public and have led to this award,” said the recipient of the Woman of The Year Jatim 2023 award from Anugerah TIMES Indonesia on Saturday, April 27, 2024.
She hopes that this award will serve as one of the answers to the hopes of the people of East Java who elected her as a Member of the Elected Regional Representative Council (DPD RI).
“A political process is not about securing a comfortable seat, but about fulfilling responsibilities and being accountable for them. For me, this is a significant hope. That this award is one of the reasons why I want to continue the political process that educates the public, that politics is not about outcomes but about the process. It’s about how we strive to maintain efforts for goodness and honesty in every step we take,” emphasized the daughter of the late NU figure KH. Masykur Hasyim.
Prior to receiving the award from IMA, she has frequently been honored, including being named one of the 100 National Young Figures in 2020 by APN, one of the 22 Inspirational Young Figures in East Java 2020 by the Nahdliyyin Journalist Forum, an Agriculture Women’s Activist from DP3AK East Java, an Inspirational Woman Concerned about Children from Memorandum, a National Woman Figure Concerned about Tourism Villages from IKMAPAS, an Inspirational Woman from Kabarpas Awards 2023, and the Woman of The Year Jatim 2023 from Anugerah TIMES Indonesia, among others.
