Gunungsitoli

Gunungsitoli – A tale of tradition, investment, and economic resilience

Gunungsitoli is the oldest and largest city on the Nias Islands. Upgraded from sub-district to autonomous city by Law Number 47 of 2008, it has been known since the 18^th century as Luaha, situated at the mouth of the Nou river, now the Gunungsitoli market. Historically, the city was inhabited by the Harefa, Zebua, and Telaumbanua clans, collectively known as Old Sitölu.

The origin of the name Gunungsitoli is unclear. A reference in a book by a priest who founded the Nias Heritage Museum suggests it was named by Indochinese traders, believed to be ancestors of the Nias people. "Gunungsitoli" combines "Gunung" (literally means mountain) and "Sitoli" (from the name of people living near the hospital, now Onozitoli area).

Covering an area of 469 square kilometers, the city has a population of around 142 thousand comprising Christians as the majority (78.09 percent), followed by Muslims (13.34 percent), Catholic (8.35 percent) and Buddhists (0.22 percent).

Gunungsitoli boasts diverse natural attractions. Togi Ndrawa, a historical cave in Lolowonu Niko'otano Village, reveals human activity from 12,000 years ago. Nearby, a traditional oval-shaped house provides stunning sea views. Laowomaru, on the route to Binaka Airport, features coral cliffs, monkeys, and turtles, with a legendary cave home marked by three holes in the coral wall. Humogo Waterfall, 18 km from the city, is an eight-meter-high cascade with a shallow pool, now easily accessible. Tumori Traditional Village, three kilometers from the city center, displays sturdy, nail-free Nias houses, highlighting local heritage.

The city offers a range of investment opportunities, including financial instruments within the banking industry, such as stocks and bonds, as well as gold. Property also presents a lucrative investment option, with land values increasing annually by 20 percent.

In 2023, Gunungsitoli's economy grew by 3.69%, surpassing the 3.11% increase in 2022. The city’s Gross Regional Domestic Product (GRDP) in 2023 stood at Rp 6.92 trillion in current price and Rp 3.76 trillion in constant price. The dominant sectors contributing to the GRDP are Wholesale and Retail Trade, Car and Motorbike Repair at 27.49%, Construction at 20.07%, and Agriculture, Forestry, and Fisheries at 14.60%.