Province

Southeast Sulawesi

Overview Economy

Sulawesi - Southeast Sulawesi

Situated on the southeastern tip of Sulawesi Island, Southeast Sulawesi is a province in Indonesia that was originally part of South and Southeast Sulawesi province. In 1964, the region’s administrative structure changed with the enactment of Law No. 13/1964, which formally separated Southeast Sulawesi, granting it the status of a province.

The province boasts a significant landmass of 36,159 square kilometers and a vast maritime territory spanning 110,000 square kilometers. As of 2023, the province is home to 2,749,010 people, with Kendari, the bustling capital city, serving as the administrative hub for this province. Southeast Sulawesi is divided into 15 districts and two cities.

Southeast Sulawesi’s population is predominantly composed of indigenous people, including the Tolaki, Buton, Wawonii, and Banggai tribes. While the province is rich in ethnicity, its religious landscape is predominantly Islamic, with over 95 percent of the population adhering to Islam. Other religions, such as Hinduism, account for 1.8 percent, alongside Christianity at 1.6 percent, and Catholics at 0.6 percent of the population.

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Economic Description

In 2022, Southeast Sulawesi’s economy showcased a diversified structure with a Gross Regional Domestic Product (GRDP) of IDR 102 trillion. Leading the contribution was the mining sector at Rp 18 trillion. With the province rich in nickel and holding large reserves, this sector leverages Southeast Sulawesi’s rich mineral resources, forming the backbone of the province’s economic activities.

Subsequently, Southeast Sulawesi will take part in the national smelter development program to generate jobs in the region and further support Indonesia’s nickel sector. These efforts position the province as a potentially significant economic center in the future.

Despite the province’s strength in mining, agriculture remains a significant player, with a GRDP of Rp 12 trillion in 2022. Endowed with high-quality cocoa, Southeast Sulawesi presents itself as a province with substantial agricultural prospects. Notably, Indonesia is known for being the third-largest cocoa producer in the world. According to data from the Directorate General of Plantation of the Agriculture Ministry, in its 2020-2022 report, the country’s cocoa production has soared above 700,000 tonnes annually for the past five years, with Sulawesi and Sumatra leading production, contributing nearly 80 percent of the nation’s total output.

Moreover, Southeast Sulawesi capitalizes on its extensive coastline with a thriving fisheries sector, contributing Rp 11 trillion to the GRDP. Nestled between the Flores and Banda Seas, the province boasts significant potential in marine and fishery resources, resulting in a wealth of diverse fishery products. This signifies a well-developed fishing industry that harnesses the abundant marine resources of the region.

Additionally, the Indonesian government has designated Southeast Sulawesi for multiple national strategic projects (PSN), setting it up for a significant development push in 2024. To draw in investment and boost employment in the area, four industrial zones are underway throughout the regencies of Konawe and Kolaka. Furthermore, two dams will also be constructed in East Kolaka and Konawe to supply water for irrigation and potentially generate energy.

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Latest News

October 30, 2025

Wakatobi Wonderful Festival and Expo (Wakatobi WAVE) 2025 featured coral transplantation and the release of green sea turtle hatchlings in Wangi-Wangi District, Wakatobi Regency, Southest Sulawesi Province on Oct. 4, 2025.

The conservation activities accompanied cultural events, culinary delights, an expo for micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) at the festival in Wakatobi Regency.

The coral transplantation took place off the coast of Marina Togo Mowondu, while the release of green sea turtle hatchlings was held on Wambuliga Beach.

Wakatobi Regent Haliana stated that the release of green sea turtle hatchlings was conducted by the Wakatobi National Park Office (BTNW) to celebrate Wakatobi WAVE.

"This morning at 08.00 [Central Indonesia Time/WITA], we, BTNW, all members of the [Wakatobi Regency] Regional Leadership Communication Forum (Forkopimda), and Bank Indonesia (BI) carried out coral transplantation. The coral was submerged in the area in front of the marina harbor. We hope this activity will send a message to all Wakatobi residents and the general public to continue preserving nature," she explained.

Haliana noted that turtles are protected marine animals, as are coral reefs in the ocean. Environmental preservation is essential to maintain the high diversity of marine biota in Wakatobi Regency.

"We hope this will provide long-term benefits for Wakatobi Regency. We are also firmly and clearly upholding our commitment to Wakatobi's regional vision as a sustainable maritime conservation regency," she continued.

Haliana, who is also Secretary General of Indonesian Islands and Coastal Regional Governments Association (Aspeksindo), urged all parties to always protect the sea, maintain its cleanliness, and refrain from littering.

"Let's protect the existing marine ecosystem, because the [environmental] potential in Wakatobi is a very valuable asset through our thriving marine life," she concluded.

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