<![CDATA[Deforestation and land cover change are major issues in natural resource management, contributing to environmental degradation and spatial imbalance. Bengkulu Province, as part of the Sumatra landscape, has experienced significant land conversion pressure driven by the expansion of plantation and agricultural activities. This study aims to evaluate the dynamics of deforestation and land cover change and to assess their conformity with the Regional Spatial Plan (RTRW). The study utilizes land cover data from the Ministry of Environment and Forestry (KLHK) for the periods 2015, 2020, and 2025, analyzed using a Geographic Information System (GIS) approach. The methods include multi-temporal change detection, land cover transition matrix analysis, and spatial overlay between actual land use and the RTRW. The results show that forest cover in Bengkulu Province decreased from 716,451 ha in 2015 to 643,961 ha in 2025, with the highest deforestation rate occurring during 2022–2023, reaching 8,306 ha (1.28%). Transition matrix analysis indicates that forest conversion to plantations is the dominant form of land cover change, covering 12,450 ha (2015–2020) and 8,710 ha (2020–2025). Spatial conformity analysis reveals land-use inconsistencies exceeding 40,000 ha, particularly in protected areas converted into plantations and agricultural land. In addition, degraded land reaches 155,724 ha. These findings indicate that pressure on forest areas remains high and the implementation of spatial planning is not yet optimal. Therefore, strengthening spatial control, land rehabilitation, and the adoption of a sustainable landscape-based management approach are essential.]]>
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