Similarity Virtual Community and Local Civil Society Empowerment (Study on Virtual Community in Maumere, Sikka District, East Nusa Tenggara)

Social media has changed the way of people to communicate. The similarity of attractions (hobby, idealism, study, culture, religion,faith, etc.) creates virtual community. Online networking presence will actually be used as a tool for joint action as well as empowerment. Sikka District is one of area in East Nusa Tenggara. In this study, the researchers show how people in Sikka through online discussion forums use the media community to participate in local development. Furthermore, this research also shows how the role of virtual communities is used as tools for joint action as well as empowerment as to strengthen the government and society. The role of virtual communities in community empowerment and development has been demonstrated by the average virtual communities in Sikka. Discourses of empowerment and development in discussions delivered through virtual communities are generally followed up in concrete activities that have a positive impact both to the community members and the wider community. Cohesiveness between members of virtual communities in Sikka is one factor of involvement of these communities on community empowerment. In addition, the ability to access, analyze, evaluate, and use of the media that has been owned by members of the community remain conducive in helping maintain both online and offline activities. This condition helps create a public sphere that is the crucial element in either national or local development