Systemic Governance From Below: Story Telling to Empower Access to the Commons Through Mapping and Modelling: A Mixed Methods Approach

ABSTRACT Access to forests, farming land and the Citarum river is limited in Tarumajaya; furthermore, many do not own their own housing and are dependent on the public and private landowners in the area. The region of Tarumajaya faces significant challenges in access to crucial resources such as forests, farming land and the Citarum river, leading to a growing dependence on public and private landowners for basic necessities, including housing. This paper highlights the importance of equitable access to resources for sustainable development and emphasises the need for stakeholders to work together to find strategic pathways to support effective governance It explores how systemic governance can foster collaboration across different actors, including local communities, public institutions and private landowners, to establish inclusive policies and practices that balance human needs with ecological considerations. Furthermore, the study underscores the significance of safeguarding the biodiversity of the region and ensuring the well‐being of all species that depend on the Citarum river and its surrounding ecosystems. By broadening the scope of the virtuous circle, encompassing not just human prosperity but also the protection and preservation of the environment, the paper aims to pave the way for a more comprehensive and sustainable approach to development. Through this systemic governance intervention, the paper envisions the enhancement of access to resources, reduction of dependence on landowners and an improved housing situation for the people of Tarumujaya. Simultaneously, it strives to foster harmony with nature and the co‐existence of multiple species, thus promoting social and environmental justice in a holistic manner. In conclusion, this paper provides a roadmap for stakeholders and policymakers to embrace a systemic governance approach, addressing the challenges while nurturing the protection of diverse species and promoting sustainable development. Embracing this integrated approach offers hope for a more equitable and harmonious future for Tarumajaya by re‐generating multispecies relationships and avoiding anthropocentrism and business as usual.