Spatio-Temporal Clustering of Forest Fire Hotspots in the Wallacea Region in 2012 – 2022 Using Chronnet

Data from the Ministry of Environment and Forestry of Indonesia show that millions of hectares were burned by fires in Indonesia with 2015 being the greatest incidence in the last of ten years. Therefore, a research is required to examine the distribution pattern of hotspots for forest fires. This study used Chronnet to display the clustering of forest fire hotspot data in the Wallacea Region (North Maluku) between 2012 and 2022. The NASA FIRMS provided the MODIS data used in the study. Several findings have been made from the implemented Chronnet method. The degree of connectivity map shows a medium degree which suggests that the North Maluku frequently experiences forest and land fires of a moderate intensity. The strength map shows a complex pattern of fire activity, with high-intensity flames creating major concerns in some, particularly in West Halmahera Regency and low to moderate fire events occurring in most other places. The results from the Chronnet cluster show that most fires occurred in production forests, indicating the need for stronger fire prevention and regulations. While protected forests had fewer incidents, there are still several clusters that require attention. Additionally, the frequent fires in non-forest areas emphasize the need for better land-use planning and coordination. Finally, although conservation forests remained unaffected, it is crucial for the government to prioritize maintaining this record.