Ning Lia Istifhama, widely recognized for her dynamic roles as an activist, has once again captured public attention with her latest accolade. Known for her leadership as Chairwoman of the DPD Perempuan Tani HKTI East Java and Secretary of MUI East Java, Lia is also an accomplished author. Her notable works include the motivational romantic book “Berkisah Tentang Hati,” as well as “Resiliensi Korban Pelecehan Seksual” and “Membingkai Pendidikan Bangsa.” Additionally, she has explored the music industry, writing and releasing agriculture-themed songs.
Dr. Lia Istifhama, S.Sos., S.H.I., S.Sos.I., M.E.I., affectionately known as Ning Lia, has recently been honored with another prestigious award. This time, she received the “Indonesia Next Future Leader 2024” award from the esteemed Indonesia Award Magazine, an independent and highly regarded institution in the country.
The award ceremony, part of the 4.0 Award Trends event, was held at the Mercure Grand Mirama Hotel in Surabaya on Friday, April 26, 2024. Ning Lia’s impressive track record made her a deserving recipient of this award, presented by Indonesia Award Magazine, an organization renowned for its high credibility and exclusive recognition of public figures, bureaucrats, companies, and social institutions.
Despite not holding a public office, Ning Lia, the niece of the Governor of East Java, consistently garners recognition. She achieved the highest national vote count as a non-incumbent female senator in the 2024 elections.
Dr. Ketut Abid Halimi, S.Pdi, M.Pd.C.Ht., Director of Research and Feasibility Awards at Indonesia Award Magazine, stated, “Indonesia Award Magazine honors professional leaders from various sectors, including the police, military, entrepreneurs, bureaucrats, executives, politicians, and educators, who undergo a stringent selection process. We actively recognize those who demonstrate ‘Opportunity For Improvement,’ and Ning Lia is a prime example of this.”
Further emphasizing her achievements, Dr. Ketut Abid Halimi, an esteemed Asian motivator, added, “Senator Ning Lia from East Java was chosen for her ability to build and maintain an inspiring personal brand and mental revolution that is exemplary. Ning Lia is not only inspirational to women but also to the younger generation of Indonesia.”
Expressing her gratitude, Ning Lia remarked, “I am very thankful that my journey has been positively received by the public, leading to this award.” The recipient of the Woman of The Year Jatim 2023 from TIMES Indonesia on Saturday, April 27, 2024, she hopes that this recognition reflects the aspirations of East Java’s citizens who elected her as a member of the DPD RI.
“A political journey is not about a comfortable seat but about the responsibilities it entails. For me, this award is a significant milestone. It is a testament to why I want to continue a political process that educates the public, showing that politics is about the process, not just the outcome. It is about maintaining integrity and honesty in every step we take,” emphasized the daughter of the late NU figure, KH. Masykur Hasyim.
Before receiving the accolade from Indonesia Award Magazine, Ning Lia had already been the recipient of numerous awards, including 100 National Young Figures 2020 from APN, 22 Inspirational Young Figures of East Java 2020 from the Forum Jurnalis Nahdliyyin, Women’s Activist in Agriculture from DP3AK East Java, Inspirational Figure for the Underprivileged from Memorandum, National Female Figure for Village Tourism from IKMAPAS, Inspirational Female Figure from Kabarpas Awards 2023, and Woman of The Year Jatim 2023 from TIMES Indonesia, among others.
Ning Lia’s continuous recognition underscores her significant contributions to various sectors and her relentless dedication to societal improvement, marking her as a truly influential and inspiring leader for the future of Indonesia.
