My Journey from a Village Without Electricity to Full-Stack Engineering
I grew up in a small village in Pati, Central Java, where life was simple and electricity was a luxury we could only dream of. Back then, our evenings were lit by lampu teplok or petromax, and our technology consisted of battery-powered radios and the occasional flashlight. It wasn’t until I was in middle school that electricity finally reached our homes, a turning point that sparked my first interaction with a computer (in my school).
That moment came in 8th grade. I still remember the excitement of learning WordStar (WS) and Lotus 1-2-3, the first tools I encountered in the world of technology. But after that fleeting encounter, I didn’t touch a computer for years.
Humble Beginnings: Facing My Fears
When I started university in Solo in 2001, computers and the internet were becoming more accessible. Friends often invited me to visit internet cafes, but I avoided them. I was embarrassed. After years without a computer, I felt left behind. Eventually, I overcame that fear, thanks to a patient friend who guided me. That first experience of browsing Yahoo and chatting on mIRC opened up a world of possibilities.
In 2002, I began coding—my earliest experiments involved creating scripts for mIRC. The joy of solving problems through coding was addictive, and soon I branched out into Visual Basic 6, developing small desktop applications.
Building Dreams with HTML and JavaScript
My curiosity for the web was insatiable. I wanted to know how websites were made, to have my own corner of the internet that reflected my imagination. Armed with a free Geocities account, I started creating websites. Tutorials were mostly in English, so I painstakingly translated them word by word using an online dictionary, piecing together an understanding of HTML, JavaScript, and even Java Applets.
When Geocities closed, I transitioned to Dreamhost, where I embraced PHP and MySQL, creating more dynamic websites. Each challenge, whether it was understanding DNS configurations or setting up email domains, became a stepping stone in my journey.
Venturing into the Cloud
In 2018, I stepped into the world of cloud computing. Google Cloud, AWS, and Alibaba Cloud became my playgrounds, each offering new opportunities to build and optimize. Along the way, I mastered Python and Node.js, developed mobile apps integrated with Bluetooth printers, automated notifications via WhatsApp and email, and implemented payment gateways for both local and international clients.
Errors and setbacks were constant companions, but they were also my best teachers. From debugging DNS records to resolving server issues, I grew into someone who thrived on solving complex problems.
Expanding Horizons: Big Data, AI, and Automation
The past five years have been transformative. I’ve immersed myself in big data, machine learning, artificial intelligence, and automation. Each project brought new challenges, and every solution reaffirmed a principle that has guided me since the beginning:
“If I want to do something, I can find a way to make it happen.”
Certifications and Beyond
This year has been particularly rewarding in terms of growth. I’ve earned certifications from Google Cloud, AWS, and Alibaba Cloud, alongside coding certifications from Coursera, Udemy, and other platforms. These accolades are not a measure of success but a testament to my commitment to continuous learning.
A Message to Aspiring Developers
I don’t consider my journey a story of success but rather one of perseverance. From a village without electricity to navigating cutting-edge technologies, the road has been anything but smooth. Yet, every challenge has strengthened my resolve to learn, adapt, and grow.
For anyone doubting their abilities: You don’t have to be extraordinary to start. Be curious, be persistent, and believe in your capacity to grow.
This is just the beginning of my story. I look forward to contributing to global projects and sharing what I’ve learned along the way.