Land degradation in Batang Merao, Indonesia's protected area, is a big problem. By studying satellite images from 1990, 2000, and 2010, researchers found that the forest decreased while agricultural land and settlements increased. The area also showed potential soil degradation, with the soil getting worse over time. The study shows that the type of land cover is important in protecting the soil from degradation. Areas with high land degradation should be protected to help the environment.