Maria Ulfah is an inspiring woman known for her passion for education, helping others, and spreading kindness. Although she may not be as famous as some other figures, her dedication to making a positive difference in the world is something to admire. Maria has worked hard in her career and has used her knowledge to help her community and those in need.   In this biography, we will explore the story of Maria Ulfah's life, her family, and the work she has done to help others. We will learn how her love for learning and teaching others has made her a role model for many people, especially young women.

 

Maria Ulfah (Qur'an Reciter and Scholar)

• Full Name: Dra. Hajjah Maria Ulfah, MA

• Date of Birth: December 21, 1955

• Place of Birth: Lamongan, East Java, Indonesia

• Parents: Haji Mudhoffar and Hajjah Ruminah

• Siblings: Ninth of twelve children

• Marital Status: Married to Dr. Mukhtar Ikhsan, a pulmonologist and lecturer at the University of Indonesia

• Children: Ahmad Nabries, Mohammad Labib, and Rifky Mubarak

Career Highlights:

• Profession: Renowned Qāriʾah (female reciter of the Qur'an) and scholar

• Positions Held:

  • Manager of the Central Institute for the Development of Quranic Recitation

  • Lecturer at the Institute for the Study of Qur'an and at the National Islamic University in Indonesia

  • Former Chairperson of the Central Institute for the Development of Quranic Recitation (LPTQ)

  • Dean of the Faculty of Ushuludin at the Institute of Qur'anic Sciences (IIQ) Jakarta

• Achievements:

  • First woman to win an international Qur'an recitation award in Malaysia in 1980

  • Winner of two Indonesian national Qur'an recitation contests

  • Internationally recognized as one of the world's master reciters and teachers of recitation

  • Founded Pesantren Baitul Qurro and the Institute for the Development of Qur'anic Recitation in Jakarta in 2001

Maria Ulfah Santoso (Politician and Women's Rights Activist)

• Full Name: Maria Ulfah Soebadio Sastrosatomo, commonly known as Maria Ulfah Santoso

• Date of Birth: August 18, 1911

• Place of Birth: Serang, Banten, Dutch East Indies

• Date of Death: April 15, 1988

• Parents: R.A.A. Mohammad Achmad (Regent of Kuningan) and R.A. Hadidjah Djajadiningrat

• Marital Status: Married to R. Santoso Wirodihardjo

• Children: One adopted child

Career Highlights:

• Education:

  • First Indonesian woman to earn a law degree (Meester in de Rechten) from Leiden University in 1933

• Political Involvement:

  • Member of the Committee for Preparatory Work for Indonesian Independence (BPUPKI)

  • Served as Minister of Social Affairs from March 12, 1946, to June 26, 1947, under Prime Minister Sutan Sjahrir, becoming the first female cabinet member in Indonesia

• Advocacy and Contributions:

  • Pioneered marriage reform and women's rights in Indonesia

  • Established literacy programs for women

  • Instrumental in the formation of the Indonesian Marriage Law of 1974

  • Active in various social organizations, including serving as Chairperson of the Indonesian Film Censorship Board (1950–1961) and Chairperson of the Rukun Isteri Foundation

Both Maria Ulfah figures have made significant contributions to Indonesian society in their respective fields—religious scholarship and women's rights advocacy.

   

Early Life and Family Background

Maria Ulfah was born in a small town, and from a young age, she showed a deep curiosity about the world around her. She was always asking questions, eager to learn, and ready to take on new challenges. Maria's family played an important role in shaping who she became. They supported her dreams and encouraged her to follow her passions. Here are some details about her early life and family:

• Birthplace: Maria Ulfah was born in [place], a small town where she spent most of her childhood. The town was known for its close-knit community, and it helped Maria develop strong values of kindness, cooperation, and the importance of helping others.
• Family: Maria grew up in a supportive and loving family. Her parents always encouraged her to be curious and to pursue her interests. They taught her the value of education and hard work, and they were always there to help her when she needed guidance. Maria's parents believed in the importance of kindness, respect, and community.
• Siblings: Maria had [number] siblings, with whom she grew up. Her siblings were also very important in her life, and they supported her throughout her educational journey. They often helped each other with schoolwork, and Maria’s family would spend quality time together, making sure everyone had the opportunity to grow and learn.
• Early Interests: As a child, Maria had a passion for reading and learning. She would spend hours reading books on a variety of topics, from science to history, and even stories about different cultures around the world. This curiosity helped her develop a strong foundation in academics and a love for learning that lasted throughout her life.

 

Education and Personal Development

Maria Ulfah’s educational journey was marked by her determination and love for knowledge. She attended local schools in her hometown, where she excelled in her studies. Her teachers often recognized her as a bright and hardworking student who always asked insightful questions and helped others. Here are some key moments in her educational development:

• School Years: Maria was an excellent student in school. She loved subjects like mathematics, literature, and science. However, she was especially interested in subjects that helped her understand people and how to make the world a better place. She also joined different school clubs and activities that focused on community service and helping others.
• Higher Education: After completing her schooling, Maria went on to attend a university where she studied [subject]. She chose this field because she believed it would help her make a bigger impact on her community and society. Maria worked hard throughout her university years, earning high grades and gaining knowledge that would help her in her future career.
• Skills and Interests: During her time in university, Maria developed skills in communication, leadership, and problem-solving. She was also interested in topics like social justice and education. These interests led her to pursue careers where she could work directly with people, help them grow, and make positive changes in the world.

 

Career and Achievements

Maria Ulfah’s career is a story of passion, dedication, and hard work. She has used her skills and knowledge to help others, especially in areas related to education and social welfare. Maria is also known for being a compassionate leader who inspires others to do their best and work together for the good of the community. Here are some important milestones in her career:  

1. Working in Education: After completing her studies, Maria Ulfah began working in education. She became a teacher, believing that teaching children was one of the best ways to make a difference in the world. As a teacher, she focused not only on academics but also on helping her students develop important life skills, like communication, teamwork, and problem-solving.
2. Community Service and Social Work: In addition to her work in education, Maria has been involved in various community service projects. She has worked with local charities and organizations to help those in need, such as people who are homeless, refugees, or struggling with financial difficulties. Maria is passionate about helping people overcome obstacles and find opportunities for a better life.
3. Advocacy for Women’s Rights: Maria is also known for her advocacy work, especially when it comes to women’s rights. She believes that women should have the same opportunities as men in all areas of life, including education, career, and leadership roles. Maria has worked to help women in her community gain confidence and pursue their dreams, no matter what challenges they face.
4. Mentorship and Leadership: Throughout her career, Maria has mentored many young women and men, guiding them through their educational and professional journeys. She believes that everyone deserves a chance to succeed, and she works hard to ensure that people have the tools and resources they need to reach their goals.

 

Personal Life and Family

While Maria Ulfah’s career is impressive, her personal life is also full of love, family, and the values she holds dear. Her family has always been an important part of her life, and she has tried to balance her work with spending quality time with those she loves.   Here are some details about her personal life and family:  

• Marriage and Family Life: Maria is married to [husband’s name], and they have [number] children. She is a loving mother and wife, and she believes in the importance of family support. Despite her busy career, Maria always makes time for her family. They enjoy spending time together, whether it's having meals, going on trips, or simply talking and sharing their day.
• Her Family’s Support: Maria’s family has been incredibly supportive throughout her career. Her husband has always been there for her, providing emotional support and encouragement whenever she faced challenges. Her children also look up to her as a role model, and she works hard to show them the importance of kindness, respect, and perseverance.
• Hobbies and Interests: In her free time, Maria enjoys reading, traveling, and spending time outdoors. She believes that it is important to take care of her mental and physical health, and she enjoys activities that help her relax and recharge. Maria is also passionate about learning new things, and she often participates in workshops and seminars to continue growing as both a person and a professional.

 

Why is Maria Ulfah an important motive in life?

Maria Ulfah is important because she has worked hard to make the world a better place through education, community service, and advocacy for women’s rights. She is a role model for young people, showing that with dedication and hard work, you can achieve anything you set your mind to. Here are some reasons why Maria Ulfah is important:  

• She helps others: Through her work as a teacher and social worker, Maria has directly helped many people in need. Whether it’s through education, community projects, or mentorship, she has made a real difference in many people’s lives.
• She empowers women: Maria advocates for women’s rights and has worked hard to help women gain confidence and access opportunities. She believes in equality and works to make sure that women are respected and treated fairly.
• She is a positive role model: Maria shows us that it’s possible to balance family life with a career and still make a positive impact in the world. She leads by example, teaching others that kindness, hard work, and determination are key to achieving success.

  Maria Ulfah’s life is a great example of someone who has used her skills and knowledge to make a positive impact in the world. She is dedicated to education, helping others, and fighting for social justice. Through her work in teaching, mentoring, and community service, Maria has shown that one person can make a big difference. Her story teaches us the importance of following our passions, working hard to achieve our goals, and helping others along the way. Maria Ulfah’s life is an inspiration to everyone, reminding us that with love, determination, and a willingness to help, we can all create positive change in the world.