ESEAP Conference 2026: Reflection from My First Time Attending and Growing within the Wikimedia Movement

Since WikiTraining introduced me to Wikipedia and opened my eyes to broader Wikimedia projects back in 2018, my journey with the Wikimedia movement has been deeply fulfilling. For years, I’ve been actively involved in various community initiatives, with a strong focus on enriching content for the Sundanese language Wikimedia project. I was completely comfortable creating impact in my familiar space, never expecting to be given such a meaningful opportunity. However, I eventually realized that to grow further and bring more value to my local community, I needed to expand my inner world. It was that very desire that pushed me out of my comfort zone to apply for a scholarship to my first international conference (the ESEAP Conference 2026).

Little did I know that single step of courage would bring an abundance of unexpected opportunities. Beyond receiving the scholarship, our presentation proposal was also selected, giving us space to share our project “WikiTutuwuhan”, an initiative documenting the botany of West Java. This is my reflection on stepping into something greater and growing within the Wikimedia movement.

ESEAP Conference 2026: Learning, Connecting, and Sharing Our Story

At the ESEAP Conference 2026 held in Kaohsiung, Taiwan, from May 15-17, 2026, under the theme “New Era of ESEAP: Pioneer the Future Together!”. I joined hundreds of Wikimedians from the ESEAP region (East, Southeast Asia, and the Pacific) to represent Indonesia, specifically Wikimedia Bandung. The conference served as a deeply insightful and enriching space where I could learn, network, collaborate, and share my experiences in project management.

Embracing the theme “Pioneer the Future Together!” I realized something meaningful: being a pioneer is not about stepping out alone at the forefront. Rather, its foundation lies in how we connect, support one another, and move forward hand in hand. That spirit was vibrant in every session, from formal discussions to quiet moments of personal connection.

From Reflection to Action: Discussions, Presentations, and Volunteering

Attending this conference was an invaluable experience that opened my heart and mind to our collective power to enrich the Wikimedia movement. Meeting inspiring  people worldwide, especially attending the Wiki Women Summit, was a deeply empowering experience. Being in a space with amazing women across generations, cultures, and languages allowed us to exchange insights, share regional project ideas, and learn how communities navigate unique challenges together.

Through these discussions, I gained a deeper insight into the ongoing perception that Wiki is often closely associated with male contributors. Yet, so many remarkable women are quietly shaping this movement, driving free knowledge forward. This experience reinforces the urgent need to nurture safe, supportive spaces where women feel empowered to contribute to Wikimedia projects.

For me personally, the spirit of cultivating courage truly came to life during our presentation. Sharing the journey of the WikiTutuwuhan project with an international audience was a real step out of my comfort zone. I’m deeply grateful for the heartwarming support and valuable feedback, especially the suggestion to integrate with Wikidata to widen our reach and ease access, which truly inspires us to keep growing this project.

Beyond this, my time as a “Commons Angel” volunteer was equally enriching. Everything was a fresh learning experience, from working with open-source video editing and technical troubleshooting to uploading video under CC licenses. Stepping into a new role alongside a global team was an unforgettable chapter, showing me the true beauty of collaborating across borders. I felt deeply honored to help make the speakers’ work accessible to the public.

Lessons learned: Essences as Human Beings

This conference gently reminded me of how much there is still to learn. Connecting with people from diverse backgrounds and languages showed me that when we open our hearts and minds, diversity is never a barrier. It becomes the color that unites us, hand in hand, for free knowledge. Reflecting on my work with botany and cultural heritage, I see that this effort is more than just documentation; protecting plants and language is how we care for our souls as human beings.

What’s next?

Motivated by this experience, I look forward to taking on new challenges and broadening our impact across regions. I’m deeply grateful for this invaluable opportunity, and I hope this journey inspires others to join the free knowledge movement. Beyond data and information, freeing knowledge is truly about celebrating the essence of human beings. Let us be part of the effort to free knowledge for everyone! 🙂