SYSTEMIC EXPLORATION: A METALOGUE ON WATER GOVERNANCE IN JAKARTA AND ENVIRONS

Abstract

In this metalogue  we discuss the  shared aim of a community of practice led by the second author  which is to move from siloed water management to systemic governance to protect biodiversity and the sources of water. The  paper reflects on ways forward  to address  water insecurity associated with climate change and governance challenges in West Java within the broader regional context. Our twofold focus is:

Firstly, on the systemic governance of water from upstream villages at risk of de-forestation , ground water loss  and risk to food security, to the plains of Jakarta where the urban poor live on the banks of flood plains, to the coast where mangroves are at risk of deforestation increasing flood risks, storm surges and loss of habitat for multiple species. 

Secondly, we focus on ways to link the systemic governance of water with a circular green economy to foster engagement  spanning  upstream villages , midstream flood plains to coastal villages and  marine environments. Water security is more than the management of water provision , it is about protecting the sources of water. This is a critical systemic case study led by the second author discusses   the implications for social and environmental justice with a focus on Jakarta where water is provided by a public private partnership.

The issues we explore are  access, availability and accountability  within the context of systemic social, economic and environmental  biodiversity challenges. We also raise the potential of undertaking multi stakeholder engagement and the creation of a multi- stakeholder co-operative that could be scaled up with communities in line with the  one village many enterprises approach adapted from the past President Jakowi’s approach.

The water governance issue is systemic and demands policy networking instead of conflicting policies. The exploratory case studies make the case that government, NGOs, small to medium enterprises need to work together to support the circular green economy through incentives.