In Indonesia, citizen journalism is growing. One example is
Bali, and its community block 'balebengong.net'. It has 350 registered users and
almost 20,000 followers. Residents talk
about various issues in their block, such as health, poverty, HIV/AIDS,
education and infrastructure.
In order to participate, the citizens need to learn to write
on the block, they need to learn to express their concerns and share
experiences and thoughts. Since Indonesia is oral culture, best way of
conveying problems is via stories. But to learn to participate via online
media, organisations in Bali are arranging bimonthly workshops for locals.
As a result of this community block, citizens see positive
things happening in their neighbourhood. One example share in the conference
was a story of a father who made suicide since he could not afford to send his
daughter for school. The news of his suicide spread in Internet and Twitter.
People started collecting money to get the girl to school, and she was able to
go to school as a result of community benevolence.