Heart and Soul
Maria Lukito, who passed in August 2017, was a woman of intelligence, perseverance and integrity who touched the hearts of all who had the privilege of meeting and knowing her. Now, her legacy will live on through the new Maria Lukito Foundation, which wi
Aself-taught woman with a penchant for making her life’s journey worthwhile in every aspect, Maria Theresia Lukito took the reins of her life firmly in her grip and raised a beautiful family while, at the same time, establishing and building a thriving media empire.
That empire is Mobiliari Group, publisher of Indonesia Tatler, and, along with her daughter, Mobiliari Group CEO Millie Stephanie Lukito, Maria took the company to the very pinnacle of success as its Editor-in- Chief. Some 20 years after its inception, Indonesia Tatler is a now brand-leader and household name, while the company behind it is one of Indonesia’s most successful publishers. No small part of the success of Mobiliari Group was Maria’s passion for the written word: a passion she developed as a child and one that grew with her throughout her life. As well as checking every single page of every single issue of Indonesia Tatler and all Mobiliari Group’s other publications, Maria managed to digest 10 news publications each day.
Not only was Maria aware of current affairs, she made sure that she grasped every nuance of the news, from entertainment to geopolitical manoeuverings. She was a woman who believed in continuous learning and proved herself consistently. Maria was also fluent in five languages,
and she was a keen conversationalist, able to engage with everyone from company interns to the heads of state she counted among her many friends.
All those who were blessed to have a personal relationship with this beautiful soul knew that Maria’s sheer hard work and dedication to all that she did were also keys her to success. She was a highly active woman who despised doing nothing, and kept herself occupied by being involved in the various departments of Mobiliari Group, chairing its weekly editorial meetings without fail, and ensuring every item was followed up and followed through.
A mainstay of social, political and charitable events, Maria was always punctual and if she promised to be somewhere, she would be there, on time and with a smile and a kind word for everyone. She forged strong relationships with VIPS, members of parliament and diplomats because of her courage and perseverance along with her huge personality.
Maria was also a lady who respected one’s wishes and never failed to show it, and in return, she earned the respect of all the people she acquainted herself with. She knew how to touch hearts effortlessly, but perhaps didn’t quite realise the impact it left. She was a problem-solver, a go-to person, a confidante and mentor to her staff, and, quite simply, a kind-hearted woman who had no streak of negativity in her.
Despite the worries of running an empire as well as her tight schedules and personal appointments, Maria was always known for her elegance and charm. Her soft-spoken character, positive attitude and tireless efforts in warmly welcoming all those she met placed her high on a pedestal—although no doubt she would have denied this—and she was regularly counted among Indonesia’s most influential women.
Maria is also remembered as a woman of persistence. She had goals in life that were filled with direction and purpose, and she always steered her life in the right direction. And although she faced turbulence as we all
do from time to time, she never failed to pick herself right back up and get back on track.
Maria took pride in all her achievements but knew that her unwavering faith in God was what brought her her desired accomplishments. Together with her success, she dedicated much of her time to putting her faith into practice through charitable work and helping the needy, not least those close to her. For Maria, her life’s work was also God’s blessing.
Maria was the epitome of inspiration and a tireless crusader for perfection, not just to those who knew her closely, but to all women who have a deep passion for life. She personified, through her acts and her life, the character of a true woman: one who keeps learning, keeps growing, and keeps her inner beauty shining through good times and bad. This was Maria Lukito, and she will be fondly remembered by all who knew her.