Province

North Kalimantan

North Kalimantan, diversity in numbers

Situated on the island of Borneo, North Kalimantan is a province formed in 2012 under Law No. 20/2012 on the Establishment of North Kalimantan Province to reduce development disparities from East Kalimantan. The capital of North Kalimantan is Tanjung Selor, located on the eastern coast of the province. Meanwhile, the largest city, Tarakan, serves as the financial center.

Covering 70,101 square kilometers, North Kalimantan consists of four regencies and one city. It was once dubbed as the least populous province in Indonesia, prior to the creation of South Papua in 2022. As of 2023, however, it is estimated that North Kalimantan had a population of 730,010 people, representing various ethnicities including indigenous Kalimantan people such as Dayak, Tidung, Malay, Kutai, and Banjar, as well as migrant groups such as Bugis, Javanese, Bajau, Manjar, Minahasa, Buton, and Gorontalo. Other ethnic groups such as the Madurese, Makassar, Toraja, Chinese, Bawean, Balinese, and Suluk/Tausug people also reside in the province.

Based on the 2023 Census, North Kalimantan is home to 73.36 percent of the Muslim population, followed by 26.02 percent of Christians, where 19.44 percent are Protestants and 6.58 percent are Catholics. Most of the Christian population in North Kalimantan resides in Malinau. The remaining religious groups in the province are 0.54 percent Buddhists, 0.05 percent Hindus, 0.02 percent Konghucu, and 0.01 percent indigenous faiths.

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North Kalimantan’s economy and leading sectors

North Kalimantan has seen a positive increase in the province’s economy. According to data from the North Kalimantan Central Statistics Agency (BPS), the province’s economic growth in the fourth quarter of 2023 experienced a growth of 4.94 percent, making it the second-highest economic growth on the island of Kalimantan. Furthermore, the province’s Regional Gross Domestic Product (GRDP) in 2022 amounted to Rp 66 trillion with contribution from the mining sector quoted as the largest at Rp 17 trillion.

The province’s geographical condition also benefits the province in developing its fisheries sector, utilizing its marine resources and abundant fish cultivation for both domestic consumption and overseas export. Consequently, this sector, which also includes forestry and agriculture, has contributed to North Kalimantan’s economic growth, with a contribution of Rp 11 trillion to the province’s 2022 GRDP.

Furthermore, North Kalimantan has recorded potential in its exports. In 2021, the province exported a total of 20.8 million tonnes valued at US$164 billion. The majority of this amount, accounting for 20.7 million tonnes, comprised mineral fuels, mineral oils, and their distillation products, bituminous substances, and mineral waxes, totaling US$163.8 billion. Tobacco and manufactured tobacco substitutes came next, totaling 16,275 tonnes worth US$134 million, followed by fisheries at 12,209 tonnes with a value of US$28.7 million.

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Latest News

September 16, 2025

Bank Indonesia (BI) North Kalimantan Representative Office Head Hasiando Ginsar Manik stated during the official release for North Kalimantan Provincial Economic Report for August 2025 that the province's economy is projected to continue growing at a higher rate in 2025 compared to last year.

He explained that the economic growth projection for North Kalimantan to grow in the 4.5–5 percent year-on-year (yoy) range is primarily supported by the performance of the manufacturing, trade, and construction sectors.

"The manufacturing sector is expected to play a significant role in [North Kalimantan's] GDP (gross domestic product) 2025, in line with the investment realization and production of the paper factory in Tarakan, the increase in CPO (crude palm oil) production targets by several palm oil companies, and the targeted commissioning of the aluminum smelter in Bulungan in the fourth quarter (Q4) of 2025," Hasiando explained.

The construction sector is projected to continue growing in line with ongoing National Strategic Projects (PSNs), such as the development of the Kalimantan Industrial Park Indonesia (KIPI) managed by PT KIPI in Bulungan Regency, and the Sei Mentarang Hydropower Plant (HPP) in Malinau Regency.

Hasiando also stated that the trade sector is expected to continue to grow in line with North Kalimantan's economic activity and development. BI further outlined that positive growth also occurred in the trade sector.

"This is supported by consumer optimism, domestic trade, and the acceleration of strategic projects," he explained.

The agriculture, forestry, and fisheries sector, he noted, saw a slight increase thanks to rising oil palm fresh fruit bunches (FFB) prices, the expansion of Indonesian Planting Movement (GERINA) rice fields, as well as optimism for fisheries and seaweed commodities.

"For the mining sector, growth in 2025 will be limited due to declining global demand and unfavorable weather," Hasiando said.

On the demand side, household consumption was predicted to remain positive throughout 2025, driven by increases in the provincial and city/regency minimum wages as well as public optimism. Similarly, BI also expected government expenditure to continue growing, albeit at a slower pace due to the state and regional budget austerity policy.

"Investment continues to grow along with the construction of KIPI and the [Sei Mentarang] HPP, although several infrastructure projects have been postponed," he said.

External and internal factors are cited as hindering growth. Those external factors include the economic slowdown in China and India, which has reduced export demand. The Russo-Ukrainian War, the Gaza Genocide and related wars in the Middle East, and the 2025 Indo-Pakistani conflict are also significant disruptions. Other external factors include the uncertainty of trade tariff wars and the global energy transition to renewable energy.

Internally, bad weather is impacting agriculture, fisheries, and mining, while the restive political situation is also significantly depressing investment.

"Finally, delays in government spending or strategic development are also contributing to slowing economic growth," he added.

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