Ning Lia, a prominent figure in public eye, has been a beacon of inspiration with her multifaceted contributions as an activist, notably serving as the Chairperson of DPD Women Farmers of HKTI East Java and Secretary of MUI East Java. Furthermore, she is an accomplished author, penning motivational books such as “Berkisah Tentang Hati” (Stories of the Heart), as well as tackling critical topics in books like “Resiliensi Korban Pelecehan Seksual” (Resilience of Sexual Abuse Survivors) and “Membingkai Pendidikan Bangsa” (Framing National Education). Not confined to these roles, Ning Lia has also ventured into the realm of music, releasing agriculturally-themed songs that she composed herself.
Renowned as Senator Dr. Lia Istifhama, S.Sos., S.H.I., S.Sos.i,, M.E.I., or affectionately known as Ning Lia, she has once again garnered accolades for her dedication, achievements, and innovations. This time, Ning Lia has been honored by the prestigious Indonesia Award Magazine with the title of “Indonesia Next Future Leader 2024”.
The award ceremony took place amidst the grandeur of the 4.0 award trends event at the Hotel Mercure Grand Mirama Hotel Surabaya on Friday, April 26, 2024.
Considering her illustrious track record, it’s no surprise that she has been bestowed with this honor from Indonesia Award Magazine, an esteemed institution in the country known for its high credibility, exclusivity, and prestige in honoring various figures, including public figures, bureaucrats, entrepreneurs, executives, politicians, and educators.
Despite not holding any public office, Ning Lia, the niece of the Governor of East Java, has continuously been recognized with awards. This is evident in the achievements of Dr. Lia Istifhama, a social activist who clinched the highest votes nationwide among non-incumbent female senators in the 2024 elections.
“Indonesia Award Magazine has consistently recognized outstanding leaders, from various professional backgrounds including the police, military, entrepreneurs, bureaucrats, executives, politicians, and educators who have undergone rigorous selection processes,” explained Dr. Ketut Abid Halimi, S.Pd.I., M.Pd., C.Ht., the Director of Research Feasibility of Indonesia Award Magazine.
Dr. Ketut Abid Halimi, a distinguished motivator in Asia, further elaborated on the selection of Senator Ning Lia from East Java, emphasizing her success in building and demonstrating a personal brand that continues to inspire and revolutionize mentalities, a trait worthy of emulation.
“Ning Lia is an incredibly inspirational figure, not only for women but also for the youth of Indonesia,” remarked the motivator from Bali.
Expressing her gratitude for the award, Ning Lia stated, “I am deeply grateful for the positive reception my efforts have received from the public, culminating in this prestigious award.”
She expressed hope that this recognition would serve as an answer to the aspirations 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 comfortable seats, but rather about the responsibilities that come with it. For me, this is a significant hope. This award serves as one of the reasons why I intend to continue the political process that educates the public, emphasizing that politics is not about outcomes, but rather about the process. It’s about striving to maintain goodness and honesty in every step,” emphasized the daughter of the late KH. Masykur Hasyim, a prominent figure in the Nahdlatul Ulama (NU) organization. Prior to receiving recognition from Indonesia Award Magazine, Ning Lia had frequently been honored, including being named one of the 100 National Young Figures in 2020 by APN, one of the 22 Inspirational Young Figures of East Java in 2020 by the Nahdliyyin Journalists Forum, a Women’s Agriculture Advocate by DP3AK East Java, an Inspirational Woman for Wong Cilik from Memorandum, a National Woman Concerned with Village Tourism from IKMAPAS, an Inspirational Woman for Kabarpas Awards 2023, Woman of The Year Jatim 2023 by Anugerah TIMES Indonesia, and a Popular Woman of East Java according to Jawa Pos Radar Madura.
