Flashback to 2023: My Experience Volunteering at WordCamp NextGen Tegal Focused on “WordPress for Enterprise”
It’s hard to believe we’re already in 2025! Looking back, one of the most memorable experiences for me in the vibrant Indonesian WordPress community was volunteering at WordCamp NextGen Tegal 2023. That event, with its sharp focus on “WordPress for Enterprise,” truly set a new benchmark, and being a part of it from the inside was incredibly rewarding.
A New Chapter: The NextGen Format
WordCamp NextGen Tegal, held on October 22, 2023, at the KHAS Tegal Hotel, wasn’t just another conference. It was designed as a unique, one-day workshop specifically aimed at helping participants “Scale Up” their WordPress skills for the demanding enterprise world. This meant moving beyond typical blog or small business sites and delving into the complexities of building robust, professional-grade websites for larger organizations. As a volunteer, I distinctly remember the buzz and anticipation that day. Everyone was there with a clear purpose, ready to absorb and apply advanced knowledge.
Witnessing “WordPress for Enterprise” in Action
My role as a volunteer offered a front-row seat to how this specialized event unfolded. We welcomed around 50 dedicated WordPress enthusiasts, a carefully selected group poised to benefit most from such an in-depth program. The atmosphere was incredibly focused, a testament to the high-value content being delivered.
The day kicked off with a powerful keynote by Ivan Kristianto, a Senior Engineer at Human Made and a WordPress Core Contributor, who passionately articulated why “WordPress for Enterprise” is not just relevant but crucial in today’s digital landscape. He showcased how WordPress powers major brands globally, validating its robustness for large-scale implementations. This was followed by a compelling live demo by Rio Burhan, who expertly guided attendees through leveraging the Site Editor for building enterprise-level sites. a truly eye-opening session for many.
The heart of the event, for me, was witnessing the hands-on workshops. Facilitators like Dzikri Aziz, Imam Mahmudi, and Radius Arianto led groups through practical exercises, designing and planning enterprise websites based on the insights from the earlier sessions. As a volunteer, assisting participants, answering questions, and seeing their understanding deepen during these practical exercises was immensely fulfilling. It was clear that the “WordPress for Enterprise” theme resonated deeply, providing tangible skills that attendees could immediately apply.
The Power of Community and Collaboration
Beyond the structured learning, the networking opportunities were exceptional. As a volunteer, I had the chance to connect with a diverse group of individuals: fellow WordPress users, designers, developers, and even business owners, many of whom traveled from various regions across Indonesia. The energy was palpable, filled with lively discussions, idea exchanges, and the forging of new professional relationships. This collaborative spirit, centered around advancing “WordPress for Enterprise” capabilities, was truly inspiring.
A Pioneering Event for Indonesia
WordCamp NextGen Tegal 2023 marked a significant milestone. It was one of the first “NextGen” formatted WordCamps in Indonesia, specifically addressing the growing need for enterprise-level WordPress solutions. This specialization demonstrated a forward-thinking approach by the organizers, aiming to elevate the skills of the Indonesian WordPress community to meet increasingly complex digital demands.
My profound gratitude goes out to all the organizers and fellow volunteers. Their tireless dedication, all on a volunteer basis, was the bedrock of this event’s success. It showcased that even local communities, driven by passion and a clear vision, can host events of immense value and impact.
Looking back from 2025, WordCamp NextGen Tegal 2023 was more than just a workshop; it was a testament to the evolving capabilities of WordPress and the vibrant, committed community in Indonesia. It underlined the platform’s power for enterprise solutions and reinforced the collective drive to continuously learn, grow, and innovate in the digital space. It was an honor to contribute to such a meaningful event.