Province

North Sulawesi

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

March 26, 2025

Bitung Mayor Hengky Honandar, Bitung City Government Assistant III Benny Lontoh, and Bitung City Investment and One-Stop Integrated Service Agency (DPMPTSP) Head Pingkan Sondakh met with PT Innabridge Selaras Energi President Director Mutia Indaningsih and her staff at Tripel Sari Resto & Cafe on Mar. 25, 2025. The meeting was about Innabridge's plan to invest in Bitung City. Mutia stated that there is great potential in Bitung City.

"The great potential that we see in Bitung City, North Sulawesi [Province], is the coconut commodity," she divulged.

Mutia explained coconuts have been processed by many other entrepreneurs, but she considered the processing of coconut fiber in Bitung City to be suboptimal after having observed it. Therefore, Innabridge will prepare logistics in the form of ship investment.

"There will be ship investment so that it could reach the islands in North Sulawesi," she elaborated.

Mutia added that Innabridge plans to have an office in the Bitung Special Economic Zone (SEZ).

"For that we have prepared a budget of around Rp50 billion to Rp100 billion," he said.

Mutia also ensured that the company plans to employ around 50 to 100 local workers.

Meanwhile, Benny said in place of Bitung Mayor Hengky that the mayor was very grateful that there were investors who wanted to invest in Bitung City.

"We 100 percent support today's first meeting. Of course, the Bitung city government will help out for whatever is needed [by the company]. This is an initial step, if it is good there will definitely be other products," said Benny, who was also the former Bitung City Government Industry and Trade Office Head.

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