Province

North Sulawesi

Overview Economy

Sulawesi - North Sulawesi

North Sulawesi is a province of Indonesia located on the northern tip of Sulawesi Island, covering approximately 14,500 square kilometers with a population of 2.6 million people. The province extends farther north than any other Indonesian island, with the small island of Miangas acting as its sentinel in the vastness of the sea. Manado, the crown jewel of North Sulawesi, not only serves as the province's capital and most populous city but also acts as its primary entry point and economic hub. The province’s administrative area is divided into 11 regencies and 4 cities.

North Sulawesi boasts a diverse tapestry of ethnicities, religious beliefs, and languages. The Minahasan ethnic group constitutes the largest portion of the population at 30 percent, followed by the Sangirese at 19.8 percent, the Mongondow at 11.3 percent, the Gorontaloan at 7.4 percent, and the Chinese at 3 percent. This diversity makes North Sulawesi more ethnically heterogeneous than other regions of Indonesia.

In terms of religious affiliation, Christianity is the predominant religion in North Sulawesi, comprising 62.91 percent of the population, followed by Islam at 31.85 percent. Catholics also hold a notable presence of 4.45 percent of the population, further enriching the province's religious landscape with other faiths. This diversity is mirrored in the province’s languages. While Indonesian is the official spoken language, many indigenous languages such as Minahasan and Sangir are still widely spoken, indicating the region's distinct cultural legacy.

Furthermore, North Sulawesi's rich tapestry of ethnicities, religions, and languages translates directly to its culinary scene, where each ethnic group contributes its culinary traditions and ingredients. From the Minahasan's penchant for spice to influences from Dutch traders, the province offers a plethora of unique dishes. Notable North Sulawesi dishes include Tinutuan, Klapertart (a Dutch-influenced cake from Manado), Ikan Fufu, and Dodol Amurang.

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Economic Condition

North Sulawesi boasts a vibrant economy. As of 2023, the province acquired Rp 102 trillion in Gross Regional Domestic Product (GRDP). Driving the province’s economic landscape is its robust trade sector, with wholesale and retail trade, including car and motorcycle repair, leading the way with a contribution of Rp 13.57 trillion. Agriculture closely follows, bringing in a significant Rp 13.38 trillion. Additionally, the food and beverage sector plays a key role, contributing Rp 9.06 trillion to North Sulawesi’s economy, while the fisheries sector also makes a substantial contribution of Rp 6.29 trillion to the GRDP.

In terms of agriculture, North Sulawesi is well known for its paddy production, with 59,000 hectares of rice harvested in 2022, resulting in 253,000 tonnes of rice produced. Apart from paddy, North Sulawesi also has potential in plantations and horticulture.

North Sulawesi’s extensive coastline positions the province as a treasure trove of marine resources. As part of Indonesia’s fisheries management area (WPPNRI), North Sulawesi boasts rich fishing grounds. This abundance has made the province a prime investment destination for those looking to tap into the region’s significant fishery potential, especially in tuna and skipjack species. The government of North Sulawesi aims to boost fishery productivity to meet local demands, aligning with the province’s fishing industry.

In addition to its economic achievements, North Sulawesi is also home to two special economic zones (SEZ), namely the Bitung SEZ and the Likupang SEZ. Furthermore, several national strategic projects (PSN) have been launched in the province, including the inaugurated Lolak Dam in Bolaang Mongondow Regency. The dam provides irrigation benefits covering an area of 2,214 hectares.

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Latest News

August 25, 2025

The Tomohon International Flower Festival (TIFF) in Tomohon City, North Sulawesi, has  been included in the Tourism Ministry's Karisma Event Nusantara (KEN) calendar of cultural festivals for the fourth consecutive year.

TIFF 2025 in August 8-12, 2025, the 13th edition of the festival, featured participants from five countries, namely Japan, the United States, Turkey, Albania, and the Philippines.

In addition, flower parade floats from the Tourism Ministry, banks, private sector players, state-owned enterprises (SOEs), and various institutions were also on display.

TIFF 2025 is expected to have a major economic impact on the local community. The Tomohon City Government is targeting more than 300,000 local and international tourists to visit the festival.

North Sulawesi Governor Yulius Selvanus stated that the festival is a milestone in driving economic growth by leveraging it as a tourist attraction.

"We are encouraging increased international visits, expanding employment opportunities, and the growth of MSMEs (micro, small, and medium enterprises) based on local culture," said Yulius, as quoted in a press release from the Tourism Ministry on Aug. 9, 2025.

He hopes that this festival could provide flower farmers with improved access to technology and international markets, as well as providing creative economy players with branding training and integrated supporting infrastructure.

Flowers have become the identity of Tomohon City. All the flowers displayed in the parade are sourced from Tomohon City flower farmers, and the decorators are also from the city.

TIFF 2025 opened with the Anak Maesaan Wo Kawangunan Colossal Dance. This dance tells the history of the founding of Tomohon City.

The festival then continued with the main event, a parade of 30 flower floats and a fashion carnival adorned with fresh flowers combined with innovative art and design. The carnival passed through Tomohon City's main route and concluded at Babe Palar Stadium.

Tourism Minister Widiyanti Putri Wardhana stated that TIFF serves as a platform to promote Indonesian tourism internationally. She hopes the festival will continue to grow as a symbol of Indonesian pride.

"From Tomohon, we send a message to the world: this is Indonesia, beautiful in diversity, strong in synergy, and great in culture," Widiyanti said in her speech at TIFF 2025 on Aug. 9, 2025.

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