This issue of e-lite Magazine, “Roots and Routes: Stories of Culture, Identity, and Connection,” explores the ways people navigate culture, belonging, and identity across different places and experiences. From multicultural classrooms in Pangandaran and the experiences of finding a new home in New Zealand to reflections on international cultural festivals, multicultural family life, and learning to appreciate Indonesian culture, the issue presents stories that cross geographical and cultural boundaries. It also takes readers into literature and popular culture through a discussion of Minari (2020) and the Indonesian sitcom Kelas Internasional, while exploring language as a bridge between cultures and communities. With perspectives ranging from campus life to personal journeys and everyday cultural encounters, this issue invites readers to reflect on where we come from, where our experiences take us, and how those journeys shape who we become. Follow the roots, explore the routes, and discover the stories of culture and connection here.