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.

Show more

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.

Show more

Latest News

April 15, 2025

Maritime Affairs and Fisheries Ministry (KKP) Acting Capture Fisheries Director General Lotharia Latif revealed in a written statement on Apr. 13, 2025, that the ministry had disbursed more than Rp163 billion for capture fisheries in North Maluku Province from 2020 to 2024. The support aims to raise fishermen's productivity and strengthen marine infrastructure in the region, which is known as one of the production centers for high-value fishery commodities such as skipjack tuna.

He explained that the budget was distributed through various schemes, including both direct programs from the ministry and Special Allocation Funds (DAK) provided to provincial, regency, and city governments. The assistance included thousands of units of fishing gear, ship engines, shipping safety equipment, as well as the construction and rehabilitation of docks, harbors, fish markets, and breakwaters.

"In 2024, we provided 106 fishing vessels complete with fishing gear to fishermen affected by natural disasters who are expected to be able to recover and increase their productivity," said Latif.

He added that the optimization of central government assistance is also reflected in the activities of the Bitung Fishing Port. The port is an important point in the operation of capture fisheries in North Sulawesi.

Until early 2024, the Bitung Fishing Port recorded 1,083 vessels docked and carrying out fishing operations. In addition, there were 13,899 fishermen that participated in fishing vesel crew training with the issuance of various certifications such as the Fishing Competence Certificate (SKN), the Fish Handling Skill Certification (SKPI), and Basic Safety Training Fisheries (BSTF) II.

Moreover, administrative services such as the issuance of 1,452 Seafarer's Books and facilitation of Good Fish Handling Methods (CPIB) for 111 vessels and 529 fishermen also demonstrate the KKP's commitment to maintaining the quality and competitiveness of fish catches.

Furthermore, Latif explained that the performance of fishing vessel permits recipients in North Sulawesi has also been shown to be positive. Currently, there are 960 vessels with central government permits operating in the region consisting of 878 fishing vessels and 82 transport vessels.

In addition, as many as 258 vessels with regional permits were also recorded, consisting of 238 fishing vessels, 19 light/operational support vessels, and one transport vessel. A total of 357 vessels were recorded as having migrated from regional permits to central permits, consisting of 354 fishing vessels and 3 transport vessels.

Of that number, 178 vessels have been equipped with a vessel monitoring system (VMS), consisting of 176 fishing vessels and 2 transport vessels. In terms of economic contribution, fishing ports in North Sulawesi contributed to Rp60.84 billion of Indonesia's non-tax state revenue throughout 2024.

Meanwhile, the amount of non-tax state revenue that had been collected from the region reached Rp16.04 billion until April 13, 2025,. Fishery production from vessels with central government permits that landed at North Sulawesi ports was also quite high. Throughout 2024, production was recorded at 75,579 tons. Meanwhile, until April 13, 2025, production had reached 19,904 tons.

KKP is optimistic that improvements from the ministry's various actions to the capture fisheries industry in North Sulawesi will have a real impact on food security and the welfare of fishermen in the area.

Read more
March 26, 2025
March 14, 2025
March 4, 2025
February 20, 2025
February 5, 2025
January 12, 2025
December 5, 2024
November 8, 2024
Load more