As I return home to Indonesia, I simply want to say thank you.
Thank you to every Googler @Kristen_NYC @TinaWill @Latika_Malhotra @TiffanyBnyc and other Local Guides who made ConnectLIVE Singapore 2026 such a meaningful and unforgettable experience.
For me, this journey was special from the beginning. I love traveling, discovering new places, and meeting new people. Being able to travel from Indonesia to Singapore was already something I was grateful for. I also truly appreciated how thoughtfully the event was arranged from the accommodation, meals, transportation, and activities.
Everything was well prepared and became part of a journey that I will always remember.
But beyond the trip itself, what stayed with me most was the people and the connections.
A small surprise on my ID card
One of the little things that surprised me happened when I received my ConnectLIVE ID card. The card included something that reflected one of my everyday habits as a Local Guide: reviewing cafés that are friendly for working from cafés (WFC).
I was genuinely surprised to see it written on my ID card.
It reminded me that sometimes, the things we do naturally and consistently can become part of the story that others see.
I wasn’t trying to create a particular identity. I was simply contributing in ways that I enjoy.
Finding belonging in Team 7
I know that I can be a little different in the way I communicate and interact with others. Sometimes, my way of being may make people hesitant to approach or interact with me.
That was why my experience at ConnectLIVE meant so much.
Instead of feeling distant, I found people who were willing to listen, communicate, laugh, and include me.
One of the most memorable moments was the Contribution Walk with Team 7.
@PennyChristie @PavelSarwar @framesbysumedh @DshottDennis and everyone on the team welcomed me warmly. We came from different countries, spoke different languages, and had different backgrounds.
Yet we managed to communicate, share ideas, support one another, and work together.
And somehow, we even won the Contribution Walk challenge! 
That experience taught me something I will never forget:
Inclusion is not about speaking the same language. It is about making everyone feel that they belong.
Bringing a little piece of Pasuruan
There was also a small story I wanted to bring from Indonesia.
Since I was born in Pasuruan, I prepared special packaging containing local snacks from my hometown Bipang and Ting Ting Jahe along with a postcard and sticker.
I wanted to share more than just a snack. I wanted to share a small piece of where I come from.
I was happy to see some friends appreciate the idea and even share their own stories about the souvenirs. I will mention them below as a small appreciation for making that moment even more special @SonamW Some souvenirs are more than gifts…they carry a story
Behind the technology, there are people
Looking back, ConnectLIVE made me think about something bigger.
We are living in a time when AI is becoming increasingly present in our everyday lives. Technology can help us communicate, create, translate, search, and connect faster than ever.
Yet this experience reminded me that technology does not always have to make people feel further apart.
It can also become a bridge that brings people together.
Through Google Maps, we contribute digitally. Through Local Guides, we find a community. And through events like ConnectLIVE, those digital connections can become real conversations, friendships, and memories.
Perhaps this is what I mean when I say:
“Memanusiakan manusia di era AI.”
Not because technology replaces human connection, but because technology can create opportunities for people to meet, understand differences, share stories, and feel that they belong.
Coming home and sharing the experience
What made this journey even more meaningful was realizing that the experience did not end when I returned to Indonesia.
After coming home, I had the opportunity to become a speaker at EJSC, me is one from ten with east java local guides sharing my ConnectLIVE experience with others.
Some media local news outlets also took an interest in the story and published articles specifically based on my experience: Bawa Cerita Masjid Muhammadiyah ke Dunia Lewat Google Maps, Isa Ikbalul Surur Terpilih Ikuti Connect Live 2026 di Singapura & pemuda pasuruan terpilih terbang ke google singapura berawal rajin memetakan kota
For me, this was a reminder that a personal experience can sometimes travel further than we expect.
I went to Singapore as a Local Guide.
I came home with a story that I could share with other people and hopefully, inspire them to see that contributing to a map can also become a way to connect, learn, and create an impact.
Honestly, simply finding friends and connections through the Local Guides community was already something I was grateful for.
Being invited to ConnectLIVE was something I never expected and made the journey even more meaningful.
For those who haven’t had the opportunity yet
To all Local Guides who have not yet had the opportunity to attend ConnectLIVE, I want to say this:
You are already amazing contributors.
Please keep contributing, keep helping make the map more accurate, and keep helping people discover the places they need.
I sincerely hope that one day, you will also have the opportunity to experience a gathering like this.
And because I truly enjoy being connected with this community, I hope events like ConnectLIVE can continue in the future not necessarily always as a big event, but even through simple gatherings that can bring many Local Guides together.
Because sometimes, what makes an event special is not how big it is, but the people we meet and the connections we take home.
Thank you to everyone who became part of this journey.
I came to Singapore as a Local Guide.
I returned home with new friendships, beautiful memories, greater confidence, and an even stronger motivation to keep contributing with honesty, integrity, and kindness.
May we continue exploring, contributing, helping others, and leaving something useful wherever we go.
A small thank you
I also want to take a moment to say thank you to the people who made this journey even more memorable.
Thank you @Andhyka @AnisaAe @renyraynada21 @NunungAfuah @sejuta_pelangi @ns_septi @inadwiana @irulmusmus @MasJon @Fachry_MyID @Dinithea @doc_dells @iyudhi @Velvel and everyone else who shared a moment, a conversation, a laugh, or simply made me feel welcomed along the way.
I may not be able to mention everyone, but please know that I truly appreciate each of you. 
Thank you for being part of my ConnectLIVE story
Photo Credits
Some photos in this story were captured by fellow Local Guides. Thank you for documenting these special moments. I’m sharing them here as part of our story, with credit and appreciation to the photographers.
I’m glad we got that little moment to talk at the end. Hope our paths cross again someday 
tapi baru sempat merapikannya hari ini, walaupun sebenarnya masih banyak cerita di balik perjalanan 2 hari rasanya tidak cukup juga dituangkan dalam bentuk recap serunya disini 
ini yang saya bagikan hanya yang membekas di ingatan saya saja. Terimakasih sudah mampir membaca. Saya akan mampir ke tulisan pin ini.
