DYNAMICS OF LULC CHANGES IN COMMUNAL LANDS: A SOCIO-CULTURAL AND SPATIAL ANALYSIS IN BUKITTINGGI CITY, INDONESIA

IKHWAN , TRIYATNO , Aprizon PUTRA , Nurhasan SYAH

DOI: 10.21163/GT_2025.201.09

ABSTRACT: This research investigates Land Use and Land Cover (LULC) transformations in Bukittinggi City and its surroundings, focusing on the impacts of urban expansion and shifts in communal land ownership. The research aims to model LULC changes from 2024 to 2050 and identify key environmental, social, economic, and cultural drivers. Using satellite imagery from Landsat 7 ETM+ (2009) and Landsat 8 OLI (2022), along with Digital Elevation Models (DEM) and shapefile data, the research applied the Cellular Automata-Markov Chain method for spatial and temporal modeling. Field surveys and interviews with 100 respondents provided additional insights into communal land management practices. Regression analysis was used to evaluate the influence of multiple factors on LULC changes. The findings reveal extensive LULC shifts, particularly the conversion of agricultural land to settlements, driven by high accessibility, flat terrain, and economic incentives. Communal land, traditionally managed under matrilineal systems, faces fragmentation due to weak regulations and external investments. Projections show a 1,231.74 ha reduction in agricultural land by 2050, with significant communal land losses in Gadut and Ladang Laweh. These results underscore the urgent need for sustainable land management strategies to balance urban development with ecological and cultural preservation. Strengthening customary laws, empowering traditional leaders, and implementing integrated urban planning are critical. Proactive policies addressing environmental, social, economic, and cultural dimensions are essential to ensure the sustainability of communal land for future generations.

Keywords: Communal land, Land ownership, Matrilineal customary, LULC, Bukittinggi

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