Multispecies ethnography: fostering equal relations in Hanjeli Tourism Village, Sukabumi, West Java, Indonesia

This research investigates the role of Hanjeli (Coix lacryma-jobi) as a key non-human actor in fostering interspecies relationships and green development in Hanjeli Tourism Village, West Java, Indonesia. The research examines how the cultivation and promotion of Hanjeli has transformed the village into a model of sustainable development, integrating green development principles with cultural heritage, ecological conservation and community resilience. Using a multispecies ethnographic approach, including in-depth interviews, participant observation, and art of noticing techniques, this research explores how Hanjeli shapes interactions between people and nature, social practices, and economic opportunities. Findings from this study reveal that Hanjeli functions not only as a plant, but also as an active participant in community life that influences socio-economic structures, supports cultural identity, and promotes sustainable tourism. The study argues that by recognizing the role of Hanjeli in this multispecies relationship, it can provide new insights into green development practices that value human and non-human contributions such as creating more inclusive, adaptive, and sustainable communities that benefit ecological systems and society.