The episodes of a facebook group for information sharing in the Ambon 2011 conflict prevention movement, Indonesia

This research demonstrates the episodes of social media use in a conflict prevention movement in Ambon, Indonesia. Utilizing data collected from interviews and a secret Facebook group used for information sharing, three episodes of social media use throughout the stages of the movement are discussed. First, the rise of social media use describes reasons motivating the movement actors to create the Facebook group. Second, the peak of social media use illustrates the usage of the Facebook group for sharing information and coordinating acts to clarify rumors circulating in the public. Third, as the conflict subsides, the Facebook group is in a non-activity mode. It becomes a repository of information and experiences gained during the movement, which are retrievable if the conflict returns. The network established during the conflict prevention movement remains and gives rise to later movements in the post-conflict Ambon.