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

July 24, 2025

Capital A (AirAsia) subsidiary Indonesia AirAsia has launched a direct flight route from Jakarta Special Capital Region (DKI) to Manado City, North Sulawesi Province. The new route is targeted to make it easier for tourists and businesspeople to explore Manado City, while also supporting tourism and economic growth in Eastern Indonesia. Acting Indonesia AirAsia President Director Achmad Sadikin Abdurachman stated that developing the domestic network in Indonesia is a key priority for Indonesia AirAsia.

"We believe this route will further open up opportunities for public mobility and support the Indonesian government's efforts to distribute national [transportation] connectivity equitably," said the Indonesia AirAsia flight captain in a press release on July 17, 2025.

Achmad added that the route also expands transportation connectivity for the people of Manado City through Indonesia AirAsia's Fly-Thru network. The service allows passengers from Manado can now more easily continue their journeys to various domestic destinations like Lampung as well as international destinations like Bangkok, Johor Bahru, Kuala Lumpur, Penang, Phnom Penh, Singapore, Hong Kong, Kota Kinabalu, and Kuching, all on a single integrated ticket without having to change airlines. Conversely, international tourists also have more flight options to explore North Sulawesi via Manado City and other destinations in Indonesia through the Indonesia AirAsia flight network.

The number of tourist visits to North Sulawesi reached 5.49 million from January to May 2025 according to the latest data from Statistics Indonesia (BPS), which included 21,685 international tourists. Manado City was the favorite destination in the province, accruing more than 1.44 million visits. As the administrative and economic center of North Sulawesi, Manado is also the entry point to various attractive tourist destinations, such as the Bunaken Marine Park renowned for its coral reefs, the mountainous city of Tomohon with its fresh air and cultural attractions, and the Tangkoko National Park conservation area that is home to numerous endangered species.

Since DKI Jakarta serves as the center of national activity and a major international aviation hub, the route connecting the capital and Manado City is becoming increasingly important in promoting smooth travel and the growth of the tourism sector—particularly in eastern Indonesia.

"With the presence of this route, it is expected that connectivity between Western and Eastern Indonesia will be strengthened while also opening up more opportunities for growth in the tourism sector and the regional economy," he concluded.

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