Utilization of Remote Sensing Technology in Mitigating Forest Fire Threats and Their Implications for National Security
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.70710/sitj.v3i3.111Keywords:
Disaster Mitigation, Early Detection, Forest Fire, National Security, Remote SensingAbstract
Indonesia's tropical forests are vital to both ecological balance and national security. However, increasing forest fires exacerbated by climate change and human activities pose multifaceted threats, including environmental degradation, public health crises, and geopolitical instability. Remote sensing technologies offer strategic capabilities for early detection and management of such fires. This study employed a qualitative literature review approach supported by a structured brainstorming process to examine how remote sensing data contribute to forest fire mitigation. Key dimensions explored include technology classifications, early warning mechanisms, risk assessment, and post-disaster recovery strategies. Findings reveal that remote sensing—via satellite imagery, thermal sensors, and UAVs—enhances early fire detection, enables real-time monitoring, supports effective fire risk mapping, and informs rehabilitation planning. The study also highlights how forest fires can escalate into national security issues through economic disruption, social dislocation, and cross-border haze diplomacy. Remote sensing constitutes a strategic asset in Indonesia’s environmental security infrastructure. Its integration into national policy, combined with inter-agency collaboration and public education, can significantly improve fire mitigation outcomes and safeguard national interests. This article links remote sensing not only to environmental management but also to national security responses, offering an interdisciplinary framework for future policy formulation.
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