Ahmad Rifai

Coral reef ecosystems are essential for biodiversity and coastal resilience, but are increasingly threatened by human activities and climate change. Monitoring the spatial distribution of benthic habitats is crucial for sustainable management, particularly in under-researched areas like Luang Island, Indonesia. This study analyzes benthic habitat distribution using 3- meter resolution PlanetScope satellite imagery (acquired May 10, 2025) and employs Maximum Likelihood Classification (MLC) to differentiate complex land cover. The classification identified six habitat types: sand (2,398.41 ha; 20.40%), rubble (2,679.22 ha; 22.79%), rock (4,063.90 ha; 34.57%), seagrass (293.71 ha; 2.50%), coral/algae (1,597.95 ha; 13.59%), and microalgal mats (722.83 ha; 6.15%). The predominance of rock and rubble suggests significant physical dynamics from erosion or wave action, while the low coral/algae cover may indicate local disturbances or coral bleaching. The presence of microalgal mats could signal nutrient stress or sedimentation. These findings underscore the need for anthropogenic mitigation to enhance coral dominance. This research demonstrates the effectiveness of medium-resolution PlanetScope imagery and MLC in mapping benthic habitats, providing a vital database for conservation planning and ecosystem-based adaptive strategies on Luang Island.

Ternate Island's coastal geography makes it highly susceptible to tsunamis, and increasing built-up land intensifies this risk. This study analyzes the spatial dynamics of built-up land development in tsunami-prone areas using land cover data from 2005, 2015, and 2025, along with driving factors such as elevation, distance from roads, and economic centers. The Cellular Automata-Markov Chain (CA-Markov) method was used to project land cover for 2035 and 2045. Tsunami hazard zones were modeled using elevation, slope, 2025 land cover, and distances from the coastline and rivers. Overlay analysis of built-up land predictions with tsunami hazard zones reveals a continual expansion of built-up areas over time. Tsunami- prone zones were classified into low (31.77%), medium (24.83%), and high (43.40%) hazard levels. The findings show a direct correlation between the expansion of built-up land and increased exposure to tsunami hazards, emphasizing the need for spatial planning strategies to mitigate future risks.

The nickel mining activities in Indonesia, particularly on Obi Island, have significantly altered land-use patterns, marked by an expansion of bare land due to topsoil and vegetation removal. This has led to a drastic decline in dense and productive vegetation cover, which previously served as a carbon sink and habitat for local biodiversity. Utilizing Landsat 8 Surface Reflectance Collection 2 Tier 1 imagery (2015, 2020, 2025), this study employed the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) within the Google Earth Engine and ArcGIS Pro platforms to assess spatiotemporal changes in vegetation cover. Results indicate a substantial increase in non-vegetated areas and a significant reduction in moderate-to-high-density vegetation, particularly within the mining core zone, directly attributable to nickel extraction activities, which drive habitat fragmentation and ecosystem degradation. Although rehabilitation and revegetation efforts demonstrate localized success, ongoing mining pressures pose risks of further environmental damage without sustainable management. This study underscores the critical need for stringent environmental regulations and targets ecological restoration to mitigate mining impacts and ensure the long-term sustainability of Obi Island's ecosystems

Ternate City in North Maluku, Indonesia, is experiencing rapid population growth and residential land development, with diverse topography and slopes that affect the expansion of built-up land. This study analyzed the development of built-up land in 1995 and 2025 based on slope levels using Landsat imagery and Digital Elevation Model (DEM) data. The results showed that built-up land expanded rapidly in the 8-25% slope zone (an increase of 96.8-372%) and the >25% zone (+206.5%), indicating that development pressure pushed urbanization into topographically difficult areas. Greenland conversion (903.78 ha less) also affected the environmental balance, while water bodies remained stable (67.58 ha). The dominance of steep slopes >40% (3,013.36 ha) is a major challenge for sustainable development. These findings emphasize the need for a spatial approach based on integrated geomorphological analysis, particularly landslide risk mitigation in steep slope zones, while meeting settlement needs

Gag Island in Raja Ampat Regency, Southwest Papua, has experienced significant land cover change due to intensive nickel mining activities since 2017, transforming tropical forest into open land with serious ecological and socio-economic impacts. This study analyzed the spatial dynamics of land cover change using 3-meter resolution PlanetScope satellite imagery (2017, 2021, 2025) through visual classification in ArcGIS Pro, with four land cover classes: settlement, open area, mining, and forest/garden. Results show an expansion of mining area from 4.53 hectares (2017) to 301.13 hectares (2025), accompanied by a decrease in mixed forest from 5,898.37 hectares to 5,576.21 hectares, and an increase in sedimentation that threatens coastal ecosystems and coral reefs. The discussion reveals contradictions between mining permit policies and small island protection regulations, as well as recommendations for high-resolution image-based monitoring and sustainable reclamation to mitigate impacts. This study provides a scientific basis for sustainable natural resource management on small islands with high conservation value.

The benthic biodiversity-rich but degradation-prone coastal waters of Pombo Island, Maluku, were mapped using high-resolution PlanetScope (3m) satellite imagery and field data through a random forest approach. The results showed the dominance of inner reef flat (54%) and sand substrate (39.62%), with 22.31% coral cover, while geomorphological analysis revealed a strong correlation between sheltered reef slope (18.78%) and benthic habitat distribution (85% classification accuracy). These findings not only prove the effectiveness of remote sensing technology for tropical ecosystem monitoring but also recommend zoning-based conservation strategies, particularly reef crest protection and seagrass rehabilitation, as a contribution to sustainable environmental management in line with SDG targets.

This study aims to analyze the dynamics of land cover change on Tidore Island, North Maluku, over the period 2015-2025 using GIS technology and remote sensing data. The method used involved spatial and temporal analysis of PlanetScope satellite image data recorded in 2015, 2020 and 2025. The results showed that built-up land experienced a significant increase to 1,227.49 ha or 10.37% of the total area, reflecting the growing pressure of urbanization. Meanwhile, the vegetation area decreased to 89.37%, which could potentially threaten biodiversity and the stability of the local ecosystem. The remaining open space of 264.26 ha provides opportunities for further development, while also indicating the need for careful management to avoid negative impacts on the environment. These findings emphasize the importance of ongoing monitoring and effective spatial planning strategies to support environmental sustainability and adaptation to climate change on the islands.

The background of this research focuses on the physical transformation of built-up land in the center of Ambon City from 1940 to 2025, influenced by historical, social, and economic factors, including the impact of riots and population growth. The tools and materials used in this research include thematic maps of land use from various periods, satellite images (Ikonos-2 and Planet Scope), and ArcGIS Pro software for spatial data processing. The method applied is an urban morphology approach with qualitative deductive analysis, which includes geospatial data processing to understand the pattern of urban development. The results of the discussion show that built-up land has increased significantly, although environmental challenges remain a major concern, such as the conversion of green land that impacts the carrying capacity of the environment. The conclusion of this study emphasizes the need for sustainable urban planning strategies to balance urban growth with ecosystem preservation in the future.

The concept of society within the framework of Islamic education philosophy is founded on principles of equality, compassion, and justice. This study seeks to explore how Islamic pedagogical principles shape societal values, highlighting the interplay between individual responsibilities and communal harmony. By examining case studies of diverse Muslim communities, we aim to uncover variations in the application of these principles and address challenges in balancing traditional teachings with contemporary societal needs. The research utilizes qualitative methods, including interviews and content analysis, to provide a nuanced understanding of the dynamic relationship between Islamic education and societal development. The findings reveal that while Islamic educational philosophy promotes unity and social justice, practical implementation requires adapting to local cultural contexts and overcoming socio-political barriers. This abstract outlines the importance of continual dialogue and adaptation in fostering an inclusive and progressive Islamic society. Such efforts are critical for promoting global understanding and cooperation within diverse communities. Ultimately, the study calls for an integrated approach that respects both traditional Islamic values and modern societal demands, ensuring that the ideals of brotherhood, equality, and justice remain at the core of educational and societal practices.