December always has a special way of pulling me back to where everything began.

This year felt extra meaningful. After months of work, deadlines, and nonstop activities in Labuan Bajo, I finally packed my bag and decided to spend Christmas Eve and welcome New Year 2026 in my childhood town: Sukamaju, North Luwu, South Sulawesi — a place that quietly shaped who I am today.

A Long Way Home

On December 22nd, I flew from Labuan Bajo to Bali, it took only 45 minutes to reach Bali then continued with another flight to Makassar, estimate 1,5 hours. The real adventure began after landing. Because there are two ways to reach Sukamaju, by flight or by a car. I didn’t chose the flight because more expensive, also it’s not easy to buy flight ticket in holiday season.

I chose the second option, however I didn’t have a bus ticket to Sukamaju. I just so busy with my activities in Labuan Bajo backthen.

Oh yeah, I forgot to tell ya, my flight was delay from Bali. I should have arrived in Makassar at 6 PM, but in reality I arrived at 9 PM.

My dad told me, he had a “guy” which was an agent or middleman. Instead of panicking, I tried to trust this guy who confidently said,
“Tenang mi saja, saya carikan ki’ mobil kecil ke Sukamaju.”

And just like that, he helped me to find a small bus. The price little bit more expensive, but I didn’t care as long as I reached my home town. Yeah we were heading north, crossing long roads, quiet towns, many mosques along the way.

The actual travel time from Gowa to Sukamaju is approximately 10 hours. However, due to unloading other passengers’ luggage+goods, I arrived in Sukamaju at 2:30 PM, making the journey (by land) approximately 13 hours.

Back Where My Story Began

Sukamaju welcomed me the same way it always has — slowly, warmly, and honestly.

I was born in South Sulawesi, with a Floresnese father and a Balinese mother. That mix of cultures has always followed me wherever I go, but being back here reminded me how deeply this town lives in my memory.

I spent my days:

• Walking through old streets
• Meeting familiar faces
• Enjoying simple conversations
• Letting time slow down

Christmas Eve felt different here. Quieter. Deeper.

I joined several Christmas Masses, each one bringing a sense of gratitude I hadn’t felt in a long time. There’s something powerful about praying in the place where your childhood faith was first formed. Agree with me right?

Christmas, Gratitude, and a Simple Kind of Joy

No countdown parties.
No rush.
Just a sound of insects.

Just family, memories, laughter, and reflection.

This holiday reminded me that no matter how far I go — from Sukamaju to Toraja, Yogyakarta, and Flores — home is still where my heart feels light.

As 2026 approaches, I feel grateful:

• for the journey,
• for the people I met along the way,
• for the failures,
• and for the chance to create something

Sometimes, the best way to prepare for the future
is to return — even briefly — to where your story first began.

—

Engel Vione
Founder, Lingkotech