My Google Student Ambassador Experience: From Selection to Graduation (GSA 2026)

My Google Student Ambassador experience began with a nervous click on “submit” and ended with a Certificate of Graduation with the Excellence distinction. In April 2026, I was selected as one of 2,000 Google Student Ambassadors (GSA) in Indonesia, chosen from more than 81,000 applicants, representing Universitas Pamulang (UNPAM). For a law student who works in SEO and GEO, it became a bridge between my academic life and my obsession with search engines and AI.

Being a GSA was never just about the title. The program, run by Google Indonesia, asks ambassadors to bring Google’s AI tools, especially Gemini, to their own campus and help peers at Pamulang University actually use them. As someone who works in SEO and GEO every day, I saw it as a natural fit: technical know-how on one side, community building on the other.

Strengthening the Google Student Community Indonesia at Pamulang University

Avicena Fily A Kako in his blue campus jacket in front of the #TeamGoogle Google Student Ambassador backdrop

The selection process was rigorous, but seeing the final list made it all worth it. I am honored to stand alongside a talented group of students from Pamulang University who are ready to make a mark in the Google Student Community Indonesia. We aren’t just students; we are becoming the Google Student Ambassador 2026 cohort, ready to foster innovation on campus.

Here are my fellow ambassadors from UNPAM who were selected alongside me:

  • Viandra Nona Charda Lew
  • Eliana Aulia Suci Irawan
  • Nabila Indriani
  • Salshabyla Firstifarani A
  • Fiki Faza Al Khiyar
  • Nisrina Fitriyani
  • Tegar Syahputra Suryanto
  • Oktorina Ramadhani
  • Riski Saputra Hutabarat
  • Naila Fatikah Shari
  • Jaesy Fashya
  • Rizky Ramadhan Putra Darmadi
  • Retihca Ula Laula Mahari
  • Risma Fiqliani
  • Avicena Fily A Kako
  • Muhammad Ibnu Sabda
  • Miayismi Arizona
  • Kezia Situmorang
  • Rizki Ikhwan Nurudin
  • Silvia Nurul Hasanah
  • Azra Ainun Haerani

You can view the full official UNPAM announcement or check the National GSA List to see the full scope of our community nationwide.

What a Google Student Ambassador Actually Does

So, what does a Google Student Ambassador 2026 actually do? Think of us as the human interface between Google’s massive ecosystem and our local campus. We are here to practice Digital Leadership in Higher Education by demystifying complex tools.

“The best way to predict the future is to invent it.” – Alan Kay

Over the following months, I set out to run sessions that connected with the AI Insights I share on this site. The goal was to move beyond theory and into practice, focused on three areas:

  1. AI Workshops: Hands-on sessions using Google AI to boost student productivity.
  2. SEO Fundamentals: Sharing how search intent actually works for campus projects.
  3. Collaborative Tools: Optimizing Google Workspace for better organization.

My aim was simple: help people not just use technology, but master it. Whether you study law like me or engineering, these digital skills carry over to almost any career.


The Grand Inauguration: When the Unexpected Email Arrived

Email from Google Student Ambassador inviting Avicena Fily A Kako to the GSA 2026 Inauguration in Jakarta

The journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step—or in my case, a single notification. On April 16, 2026, at 21:21, my phone lit up with an email that I honestly didn’t see coming. It was an invitation to the Google Student Ambassador (GSA) 2026 Inauguration.

At that moment, I hadn’t fully grasped the weight of that email. I knew being a GSA was a big deal, but I didn’t realize that this inauguration was an elite gathering. Out of the 2,000 students selected as GSA 2026 nationwide, only about 150 were invited to the in-person inauguration in Jakarta, held on April 23, 2026, at MGP Space in SCBD Park. Being part of that 7.5% was a realization that hit me with a mix of pride and a “wait, is this real?” kind of feeling.

Connecting with Extraordinary Minds: The “Anomaly” Energy

Four Google Student Ambassadors in varsity jackets taking a selfie under the GSA 2026 welcome screens

The inauguration wasn’t just about the brand; it was about the people. The first person I crossed paths with was Jesselyn. To my surprise, we turned out to share the same personality type: INTJ. Now, usually, two INTJs in a room might lead to a quiet corner, but I like to think I have this “Anomaly Energy.” It’s that weird spark that allows me to match the high vibes of the extroverts when the situation calls for it!

Beyond the MBTI talk, I had the chance to connect with so many brilliant individuals: Rasya, Dzaki, Arsy, Orlin, Che, Feby, and many others. If I were to list every single person who made an impact, this journal would never end. Each of them brought a unique perspective to the table, proving that the GSA community is truly a melting pot of Indonesia’s brightest tech-heads.

Stepping Into the Hub: The Google Indonesia Office Tour

Google logo wall made of white tiles inside the Google Indonesia office in Jakarta

After the warm welcome and official ceremonies, we headed to the Google Indonesia Office. Walking through those doors felt like stepping into a playground designed for the future. The atmosphere was electric, creative, and undeniably “Googley.”

Capturing the Moment: Aesthetics and Angles

Avicena and Rasya in GSA 2026 varsity jackets, arms open under a Google sign at the Google Indonesia office

As someone who appreciates visual storytelling, I spent a lot of time capturing the aesthetics of the office. One of my favorite shots of the day is a portrait of me and Rasya. It’s an epic, high-energy photo that truly encapsulates the spirit of the day. Huge shoutout to Jess for being the mastermind behind the lens for that one!

I also have to give a massive thank you to Orlin. She literally coached me on camera angles—teaching me how to find the light and the right perspective. Because of her help, I managed to get some incredible shots that I ended up sharing on my Instagram. It’s amazing how a tech event can also become a masterclass in photography.

From Tech Ambassadors to Gen-Alpha Trendsetters

Our “67” video from the GSA 2026 inauguration

You’d think a group of Google Ambassadors would only talk about LLMs and AI algorithms, but we know how to have fun. At Jess’s suggestion, we ended up making a “67 Video“—a total brainrot video that Gen Alpha would probably adore. It was chaotic, hilarious, and the perfect way to break the professional ice.

“The Boys” and the Legend of “Aku Suges Pose”

Photo booth prints from the GSA 2026 inauguration showing the Aku Suges pose

Avicena, Rasya, Arsy, & Dzaki Aku Suges Pose

As the day progressed, the bond grew stronger. I spent a good chunk of time with “The Boys”—arguably the coolest group of guys at the GSA 2026 Inauguration. We were everywhere: making TikToks, laughing through the halls, and eventually ending up at the photo booth to immortalize the day.

We created a signature move we called the “Aku Suges Pose.” It’s more than just a pose; it’s a memory of us being ourselves, celebrating the fact that we made it here. These are the moments that you can’t capture in a job description or a LinkedIn badge. It’s about the brotherhood formed through a shared passion for technology.

More Than Just a Varsity Jacket: What the Inauguration Gave Us

The GSA 2026 Inauguration gave us a lot of things. Yes, we got the iconic GSA Varsity Jacket (which looks amazing, by the way), but more importantly, we walked away with an experience that money can’t buy.

I came into this inauguration as a law student from Pamulang University with a passion for SEO and AI. I left as part of a family. This event reminded me that while the technology we advocate for is powerful, it’s the human connection behind the screens that truly drives innovation.

Huge Thanks, Google Indonesia! This is just the beginning of our journey to bridge the gap between technology and the student community. Let’s make 2026 a year to remember.

Graduation: Looking Back on My Google Student Ambassador Experience

Google Student Ambassador 2026 Certificate of Graduation with Excellence distinction for Avicena Fily A Kako

All good things must eventually reach their conclusion, but the lessons learned stay forever.

After months of hosting workshops, creating advocacy content, and building a tech-forward community at Pamulang University, the journey culminated in the program’s official graduation in August 2026. Being part of this program was more than just completing missions—it was about driving real impact and helping peers embrace AI tools like Gemini to boost their productivity and academic endeavors.

Earning the Excellence Distinction

One of the most rewarding moments of this entire experience was receiving the Certificate of Graduation with the Excellence distinction.

Out of 81,000 nationwide applicants, being selected was already an honor—but completing the program with an Excellence recognition validated every late-night planning session, workshop facilitation, and advocacy campaign.

Key Milestones & Takeaways

Looking back at the entire GSA 2026 tenure, here are the core pillars that defined my journey:

  • AI Advocacy & Demystification: Empowering students across diverse majors—from Law to Engineering—to practically leverage Gemini AI and Google Workspace.
  • Community Building: Fostering a collaborative ecosystem at Pamulang University where curiosity turned into active experimentation.
  • Professional Growth: Sharpening leadership, event hosting, and digital communication skills under the mentorship of Google Indonesia and Dicoding.

Moving Forward

While the chapter of being a Google Student Ambassador officially closes, the mission to innovate, educate, and empower through technology continues.

If you want to see what that looks like outside campus, the AI-assisted SEO behind the rawatin.com launch and my generative engine optimization (GEO) portfolio are the clearest examples. My academic work is on the publications page, and more first-person notes live in the Personal Journal.

A massive thank you to Google, Dicoding Indonesia, Nichapa Dhamabutra, the Gemini Southeast Asia team, and my fellow ambassadors for an unforgettable journey.

Here’s to building the future, one innovation at a time! 🚀

Frequently asked questions

What is the Google Student Ambassador program?

The Google Student Ambassador (GSA) program in Indonesia is run by Google Indonesia to bring Google’s AI tools, especially Gemini, to university campuses. Selected students learn the tools, create content, and host workshops for their peers. In 2026, 2,000 students were selected from more than 81,000 applicants nationwide.

What does a Google Student Ambassador do?

A Google Student Ambassador acts as a bridge between Google and their campus. In practice, that means hosting workshops, creating advocacy content, and helping peers use tools like Gemini and Google Workspace for coursework and research. Ambassadors also receive training and mentoring during the program, which in my cohort involved Google Indonesia and Dicoding.

Do you need to study computer science to become a Google Student Ambassador?

No. In Indonesia, the program has been open to diploma and undergraduate students from any major, not only computer science. I joined as a law student, and the workshops I helped run were meant for peers from every field. Genuine curiosity about AI and a willingness to teach others matter more than a technical degree.

How competitive was Google Student Ambassador 2026?

It was highly competitive. More than 81,000 students applied for GSA 2026 and 2,000 were selected, roughly one in forty. From those 2,000 ambassadors, only about 150 were invited to the in-person inauguration and Google Indonesia office tour in Jakarta, which made that invitation feel like a second selection.