Province

Central Sulawesi

Overview Economy

Central Sulawesi, a rich mosaic of ethnic groups

Central Sulawesi is a province of Indonesia located in the center of Sulawesi Island. With a vast land area of 61,605.72 km², it surpasses all other provinces in size on the island. The administrative hub of Central Sulawesi is located in the city of Palu, which also holds the title of the province’s largest city. The province is home to a population of over 3 million individuals.

The province showcases a diverse tapestry of ethnicities, religions, and languages. The Kaili, constituting 22 percent, form the province’s largest ethnic group, closely followed by the Buginese with 16 percent and Javanese with 8.4 percent. While these three groups make up a significant portion of the population, the true diversity lies in the numerous smaller groups, collectively representing over a fifth or 22.5 percent of the population. This category includes the Pamona, Banggai, Saluan, Buol, Gorontaloan, and various other indigenous communities, each contributing their unique cultural heritage to the rich mosaic of Central Sulawesi. In addition to these ethnic groups, there are several tribes residing in the province’s mountainous areas, such as the Da’a tribe, the Wana tribe, the Seasea tribe, and the Taa tribe.

The religious landscape of Central Sulawesi is predominantly Islamic, with nearly 8 out of 10 residents, or 79.06 percent, adhering to this faith. Christianity closely follows at 16.17 percent, and Hinduism represents a smaller but noteworthy 3.5 percent of the population. Additionally, other smaller religious groups contribute to the province's diverse religious tapestry.

Despite the province boasting a diverse landscape, it has also grappled with periods of religious tension. The Poso conflict, which began in 1998 and continued until the early 2000s, was a complex issue driven by several factors, including political, social, and economic divides that existed before the violence. In addition to appreciating the tremendous efforts made in the years afterward to promote peace and reconciliation, it is crucial to commemorate this difficult period in Central Sulawesi's history.

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Economic condition

Central Sulawesi's economy has witnessed impressive growth in recent years, showcasing a diverse landscape. According to Statistics Indonesia, the province recorded a robust 15.22 percent growth in 2022, which later moderated to 11.91 percent in 2023 following global economic trends.

Despite the recent dip, Central Sulawesi boasts a well-rounded economy with several key contributors. The mining sector remains a dominant force, contributing 18.10 percent to the province’s gross regional domestic product (GRDP). Notably, Central Sulawesi is one of Indonesia's prominent nickel-producing regions, with Morowali Regency serving as the hub for nickel mining. Increasingly, international mining companies are eyeing Morowali, as its nickel reserves are vital for lithium battery production. The 2014 ban on raw nickel exports forced these companies to refine locally, boosting investments in Indonesian firms.

Other sectors, such as agriculture, contribute 7.20 percent to the GRDP. Central Sulawesi excels not only in agriculture, producing top-quality crops like cocoa and cloves, but also in the fishery sector, which contributes 9.09 percent to the GRDP. The province’s vast water sources, spanning 77,295.9 km², hold significant economic potential for the capture fishery sector. This diversification fosters a more resilient and sustainable economic base for the province's future.

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Latest News

November 4, 2025

The opening night of the 2025 Poso Lake Festival turned into a historic moment when the Tende Bomba dance, one of the most prominent cultural expressions of the Sintuwu Maroso region, officially received a Communal Intellectual Property Certificate (KIK) from the Law Ministry Central Sulawesi Regional Office.

Amid the spotlights on the stage and the fluttering costumes of the dancers, the symbolic narrative of the dance seemed to transcend time and space.

The Tende Bomba dance is more than just a series of gentle, graceful movements. It is a language passed on by Poso ancestors about gratitude, respect, and the relationship between humans and the universe.

In Poso tradition, Tende Bomba is danced during occasions such as welcoming guests of honor, traditional rituals, and harvest thanksgiving ceremonies.

Female dancers typically wear warm-colored clothing made of tenun, a traditional Austronesian hand-woven fabric, with each step and swing of the arms conveying the message to walk with the heart, and live in balance.

The KIK was presented by Law Ministry Central Sulawesi Regional Office Head Rakhmat Renaldy to Poso Regent Verna G.M. Inkiriwang. The handover was witnessed by thousands of pairs of eyes and a row of central and regional officials.

Rakhmat stated that the KIK certificate is a legal foundation that is increasingly needed in present day.

"In the [current] digital era, culture is vulnerable to exposure and unlimited imitation. The KIK ensures that the Tende Bomba dance is not claimed carelessly. This is a form of respect for the ancestors and cultural rights of the local community," he said.

He added that the protection by KIK provided broader opportunities for the creative industry, arts education, and cultural diplomacy.

"When culture is protected, the younger generation will recognize it not as an inflexible heritage, but as a living pride," he said.

The audience was captivated at the opening night of Poso Lake Festival 2025. Applause erupted as the final dancer concluded the dance choreography with a salute.

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