Dr.Sc. Dina Oktavia, a lecturer at the Padjadjaran University Graduate School, and a team of collaborators from various national and international institutions, including the Indonesian University of Education and the University of Birmingham, have successfully published their latest research in a reputable international journal entitled “Dynamics of Land Use and Land Cover in Belitung Island, Indonesia.” This research reveals the dynamics of changes in land use and land cover (LULC) on Belitung Island over the past three decades, demonstrating the significant impact of mining activities on forest cover and the local landscape.

By analyzing satellite data from 1990 to 2020 obtained from the Ministry of Environment and Forestry (KLHK), the research team found that more than 25% of forest cover on Belitung Island has been lost during that time. Most of the previously forested area has been transformed into agricultural land, residential areas, and other areas, with only 0.57% converted to agricultural land and the remainder becoming degraded land. This study also notes that both natural and artificial reforestation processes face challenges due to development pressures and post-mining land conversion.

These findings are crucial in the context of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This research supports SDG 13 (Addressing Climate Change) and SDG 15 (Sustaining Terrestrial Ecosystems) through mapping forest degradation and proposing restoration strategies. Furthermore, the study’s findings contribute to SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Human Settlements) by offering spatial insights into the impacts of mining on the environment and local communities. Finally, through the proposed Forest Landscape Restoration (FLR) approach, this research contributes to the achievement of SDGs 2 (No Hunger) and 1 (No Poverty), as landscape restoration has the potential to strengthen food security and the economy of surrounding communities.

With its interdisciplinary scientific and collaborative approach, this research makes a strategic contribution to the formulation of sustainable land use policies in resource-rich regions like Belitung Island.