Ning Lia Highlights Youth's Role in Sustainable Tourism at the 2026 East Java Raka-Raki Grand Final

08 August 2026 oleh admin

Gresik, dpd.go.id – Member of the House of Regional Representatives of the Republic of Indonesia (DPD RI) representing East Java, Lia Istifhama, attended the Grand Final of Raka-Raki East Java, held at Aston Gresik Hotel on Friday (August 7, 2026). The presence of Lia Istifhama, affectionately known as Ning Lia, encouraged the younger generation to develop regional potential, particularly in the tourism sector.

On the occasion, Ning Lia emphasized the importance of youth as a driving force for sustainable tourism. According to her, the Raka-Raki event is not merely a tourism ambassador competition, but also a strategic platform for producing agents of change capable of promoting their respective regions to a wider audience.

“At this Grand Final of Raka-Raki East Java, we have gained an important perspective that sustainable tourism is a key element. When Governor Khofifah promotes East Java as the new gateway to the Nusantara, one of the region’s significant potentials lies in the tourism sector,” she said.

She also highlighted the statement made by the Regional Secretary of East Java, who described youth as agents of change. According to Ning Lia, this aligns with role theory, which positions the younger generation as key actors in strengthening the tourism sector in their respective regions.

“Young people have a significant role in developing and strengthening local tourism potential. Therefore, the selected Raka-Raki ambassadors are expected to continue promoting the potential of their respective regions so that they can gain recognition at the national and even international levels,” she said.

Ning Lia expressed hope that the event would produce a generation of young people who are not only accomplished, but also committed to regional development and capable of representing East Java’s tourism sector on the global stage.

“Hopefully, the selected Raka-Raki ambassadors can contribute to advancing their respective regions and take them to the national and international stage,” she concluded.