HARIANEXPRESS – DPD RI member Lia Istifhama, known as Ning Lia, actively engaged with the Madura community, attending a book review on “Diaspora Madura” on Sunday, 23/8/2026.
Throughout 2026, Ning Lia has consistently built communication with the people of Madura. Her visits span four regencies: Sumenep, Pamekasan, Sampang, and Bangkalan.
Her agenda extends beyond formal reses and aspiration absorption, including various social, intellectual, and community encounters. She has met with policymakers, youth, activists, journalists, entrepreneurs, clerics, and scholars.
One notable event occurred on Sunday, August 23, 2026, at approximately 10:26 WIB. Ning Lia attended a review of the book “Diaspora Madura: Resiliensi, Strategi, dan Transformasi Pasca-konflik Etnik” by Prof. Dr. Abdur Rozaki, S.Ag., M.Si., held in the VIP room of Rumah Makan Bebek Sinjay Baru, Madura.
The forum brought together several clerics, officials, and entrepreneurs. Discussions focused on the journey of the Madura diaspora and how the community rebuilt social life after conflict, highlighting themes of resilience, strategy, and transformation.
Ning Lia acknowledged the book’s strength in examining post-conflict issues from a long-term perspective.
“Konflik selalu menarik perhatian ketika darah masih mengalir. Setelah kekerasan berhenti dan masyarakat mulai menata kembali kehidupannya, perhatian pun perlahan menghilang. Seolah-olah sejarah berakhir ketika senjata diletakkan,” ujar Lia Istifhama.
She emphasized that the post-conflict phase is crucial for rebuilding trust, mending social relations, and fostering peaceful coexistence. Lia linked these ideas to John Paul Lederach’s “Building Peace” (1997) and Ashutosh Varshney’s “Ethnic Conflict and Civic Life” (2002), underscoring the importance of sustainable social connections.
Despite her appreciation for the book, Ning Lia stated that she needs to read it more deeply before offering extensive comments.
“Melihat optimisme buku ini, saya kira saya perlu membaca secara detail terlebih dahulu sebelum banyak berkomentar,” ujar Lia Istifhama.
Her consistent presence in Madura demonstrates a commitment to direct communication beyond formal parliamentary sessions. These interactions allow her to understand local issues before advocating for them nationally, reinforcing the representative function of a senator.
