Syahruddin Mansyur, Nur Ihsan Djindar, Wasita Wasita, Imam Hindarto, Nani Somba, Hasrianti Hasrianti, Moh. Ali Fadillah, Hamka Naping, Sofyan Setia Budi

Historical Land Use and Land Cover Change of the Lake Tempe Region: A Multi-source Data Landscape Reconstruction

Introduction

Historical land use and land cover change of the lake tempe region: a multi-source data landscape reconstruction . Explore historical land use & cover changes in Indonesia's Lake Tempe (13th-20th C) using multi-source data. Understand human impact, agricultural expansion, and hydrometeorological challenges.

Abstract

Lake Tempe, situated in the Wajo Regency, is an ancient lake in Indonesia that plays a crucial role in the socio-historical evolution of Southern Sulawesi. The Lontara manuscript, a significant source of regional history, highlights Lake Tempe as a vital resource for adjacent communities. Contemporary narratives of Lake Tempe, however, are overshadowed by recurrent flooding attributed to accelerated sedimentation leading to lake shallowing, which impedes its capacity to manage the inflow from tributary rivers. This study aims to offer a historical perspective by reconstructing the landscape and detailing the evolution of land use and land cover (LU/LC) in the Lake Tempe region, thus enhancing our understanding of the lake's current conditions. We compiled an array of historical and archaeological data, including manuscripts, archival maps, and satellite imagery, spanning the 13th to 20th centuries. Our approach involves historical LU/LC modeling to provide an intricate depiction of the landscape evolution in the Lake Tempe area. Moreover, we presented modeled projections of LU/LC alterations over approximately 86 years (1930-2016). The analysis reveals that pre-20th century landscape dynamics in the region were influenced by several factors: demographic shifts due to local migration, interplay among local elites over natural resource control, and integration into global trade networks from the 13th century onwards. These elements collectively spurred deforestation during periods of agricultural expansion. Starting in the early 20th century, the agricultural development policies of both the Dutch Colonial and the Republic of Indonesia's governments further accelerated land conversion for distinct agricultural purposes. This historical narrative underscores the fact that centuries of anthropogenic activity have been central to the hydrometeorological challenges faced throughout the Lake Tempe region.

Review

This study, "Historical Land Use and Land Cover Change of the Lake Tempe Region: A Multi-source Data Landscape Reconstruction," presents a compelling historical analysis of a crucial Indonesian ecosystem. The paper adeptly positions Lake Tempe within its broader socio-historical context, acknowledging its significance as an ancient lake and vital resource for Southern Sulawesi. By aiming to reconstruct the landscape and detail land use and land cover (LU/LC) evolution from the 13th to 20th centuries, the research promises to provide much-needed historical depth to contemporary concerns regarding recurrent flooding and lake shallowing, issues currently attributed to accelerated sedimentation. This comprehensive temporal scope, combined with the integration of diverse data sources, suggests a robust approach to understanding the deep historical roots of present-day environmental challenges. The methodological framework outlined in the abstract is particularly noteworthy. The authors propose compiling an extensive array of historical and archaeological data, including local Lontara manuscripts, archival maps, and satellite imagery, to span several centuries. This multi-source data compilation, coupled with historical LU/LC modeling and projections for the 20th century (1930-2016), indicates a rigorous attempt to provide an intricate depiction of landscape evolution. The key findings reveal a nuanced understanding of the drivers of change: pre-20th century dynamics were influenced by demographic shifts, elite resource control, and integration into global trade networks, leading to deforestation. Post-20th century changes were further accelerated by colonial and national agricultural policies, solidifying the paper's central argument that centuries of anthropogenic activity are central to the region's current hydrometeorological issues. Overall, this research offers a highly significant contribution to both historical geography and environmental science. Its strength lies in bridging the gap between historical processes and contemporary environmental degradation, providing a long-term perspective often missing in analyses of current ecological problems. The detailed reconstruction of landscape evolution, backed by diverse historical data, will undoubtedly enhance our understanding of Lake Tempe's current conditions and the cumulative impact of human activity. Such insights are invaluable for informing future land management strategies, conservation efforts, and policy-making aimed at addressing the complex hydrometeorological challenges facing the Lake Tempe region.

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