TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Surabaya Mayor Tri Rismaharini received the best international alumni award from the Institute for Housing and Urban Development Studies (IHS). The award was presented by the Special Envoy for the Kingdom of the Netherlands Henk Ovink on the sideline of the UN Habitat III forum of the United Nations Conference in Quito, Ecuador on Monday, October 17, 2016.
According to a press release received by Tempo, Risma was overwhelmed by emotions and unable to stop her tears from streaming as she received the award.
Risma claimed she was reminded of her struggle during her studies of urban development at IHS Rotterdam in the Netherlands before she was elected as the Mayor of Surabaya.
"The fight to become mayor was not easy. There are many obstacles, the responsibilities are huge," Risma said.
The IHS Alumni International Awards is awarded to high-achieving IHS graduate who brings positive improvements in his/her workplace. Risma was chosen as the winner of the award, followed by Professor Alfredo Garay from Argentiona and Chief Willie Abiano from Nigeria.
Special Envoy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands Henk Ovink said that Risma deserves the award because she can manage to balance her heart and mind. "This means [Risma] did not only think about physical development, but also human development," Henk said.
MOHAMMAD SYARRAFAH