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Manado
Manado
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Manado (Indonesian pronunciation: [maˈnado], Tombulu: Wenang) is the capital city of the Indonesian province of North Sulawesi. It is the second largest city in Sulawesi after Makassar, with the 2020 census giving a population of 451,916,[3] and the official estimates for mid 2023 showing 458,582 inhabitants (229,982 males and 228,600 females),[1] distributed over a land area of 157.26 km2.[1] The Manado metropolitan area had a population of 1,377,815 as of mid 2023.[1] The city is situated on the Bay of Manado, and is surrounded by a mountainous area.[4]

Key Information

Manado is among Indonesia's top-five tourism priorities[5] and Bunaken National Park is one of the city's most famous tourist attractions. Tunan Waterfall in Talawaan village and Mount Tumpa are some of the many attractions for visitors who like to take Manado city tour especially to natural places.[6] The city is served by Sam Ratulangi International Airport, which connects Manado with various domestic destinations, as well as international destinations in East Asia and Southeast Asia. The city is also known for its Christian-majority population, and holds the country's biggest Christmas celebration annually. It is also recognised as one of the most tolerant and peaceful cities in Indonesia.[7]

Etymology

[edit]

The name Manado is derived from the Sangir language word manaro, meaning 'on the far coast' or 'in the distance', and originally referred to the further of two islands which can be seen from the mainland. When the settlement on this island was relocated to the mainland, the name Manado was brought with it, after which the island itself became referred to as Manado Tua (Old Manado).[8] The name for Manado in the Sangir language is Manaro, while in Gorontalo is Moladu.[9]

History

[edit]

The first mention of Manado comes from a world map by French cartographer Nicolas Desliens [fr], which shows the island of Manarow (today's Manado Tua). Before Europeans arrived in North Sulawesi, the area was under the rule of the Sultan of Ternate, who exacted tribute and introduced Islam to its inhabitants. The Portuguese made the Sultan their vassal, ruling over the Minahasa people, and establishing a factory in Wenang.

Meanwhile, the Spanish had already set themselves up in the Philippines and Minahasa was used to plant coffee because of its rich soil. Manado was further developed by Spain as a centre of commerce for the Chinese traders who traded the coffee in China. With the help of native allies, the Spanish took over the Portuguese fortress in Amurang in the 1550s, and Spanish settlers also established a fort at Manado, so that eventually, Spain controlled all of the Minahasa. It was in Manado where one of the first Indo-Eurasian (Mestizo) communities in the archipelago developed during the 16th century.[10] The first King of Manado (1630) named Muntu Untu was in fact the son of a Spanish Mestizo.[11]

Map of Manado in 1679

Spain renounced its possessions in Minahasa by means of a treaty with the Portuguese in return for a payment of 350,000 ducats.[12] Minahasan natives made an alliance treaty with the Dutch, and expelled the last of the Portuguese from Manado a few years later.

The Dutch East India Company built a fortress in Manado named Fort Amsterdam in 1658. As with regions in eastern Indonesia, Manado underwent Christianisation by missionaries such as Johann Friedrich Riedel and Johann Gottlieb Schwarz. The Dutch missionaries built the first Christian church in Manado called Oude Kerk (Old church), which still stands, and is now called Gereja Sentrum. HMS Dover captured Manado in June 1810. The Javanese prince Diponegoro was exiled to Manado by the Dutch government in 1830 for leading a war of rebellion against the Dutch. In 1859, the English biologist Alfred Wallace visited Manado and praised the town for its beauty.

Coat of Arms of Manado during Dutch colonial era, granted in 1931.

In 1919, the Apostolic Prefecture of Celebes was established in the city. In 1961, it was promoted to the Diocese of Manado.

The Japanese captured Manado in the Battle of Manado in January 1942.[13] The city was heavily damaged by Allied bombing during World War II.

In 1958, the headquarters of the rebel movement Permesta was moved to Manado. When Permesta confronted the central government with demands for political, economic and regional reform, Jakarta responded by bombing the city in February 1958, and then invading in June 1958.

In 1962, the People's Representative Council declared Manado as the official capital city of North Sulawesi Province.

Climate

[edit]

Manado has a tropical rainforest climate (Af) according to the Köppen climate classification, as there is no real dry season. The wettest month is January, with an average rainfall of 465 millimetres (18.3 in), while the driest is September with an average rainfall of 121 millimetres (4.8 in).[14] The abundance of rain seems to be influenced by the monsoon. As its location is near the equator, the temperature seems constant throughout the year. The hottest month is August with an average temperature of 26.6 °C (79.9 °F), while the coolest months are January and February with an average temperature of 25.4 °C (77.7 °F).[15] Winter (Dec-Feb) can be considered wetter, rainier and cooler than summer (Jun-Aug). Unlike other cities in Indonesia, the temperature seems to be cooler.[weasel words]

Climate data for Manado, North Sulawesi, Indonesia (1961-1990)
Month Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Year
Mean daily maximum °C (°F) 29.4
(84.9)
29.5
(85.1)
30.0
(86.0)
31.4
(88.5)
31.4
(88.5)
31.2
(88.2)
31.3
(88.3)
32.0
(89.6)
32.3
(90.1)
31.7
(89.1)
30.9
(87.6)
30.1
(86.2)
30.9
(87.6)
Daily mean °C (°F) 25.4
(77.7)
25.4
(77.7)
25.7
(78.3)
26.4
(79.5)
26.4
(79.5)
26.2
(79.2)
26.1
(79.0)
26.6
(79.9)
26.4
(79.5)
26.3
(79.3)
26.3
(79.3)
25.8
(78.4)
26.1
(79.0)
Mean daily minimum °C (°F) 22.3
(72.1)
22.2
(72.0)
22.3
(72.1)
22.4
(72.3)
22.4
(72.3)
22.3
(72.1)
21.8
(71.2)
21.9
(71.4)
21.2
(70.2)
21.8
(71.2)
22.3
(72.1)
22.5
(72.5)
22.1
(71.8)
Average rainfall mm (inches) 427
(16.8)
361
(14.2)
338
(13.3)
266
(10.5)
268
(10.6)
277
(10.9)
170
(6.7)
121
(4.8)
149
(5.9)
256
(10.1)
290
(11.4)
365
(14.4)
3,288
(129.6)
Mean monthly sunshine hours 129 119 155 168 168 144 176 210 179 172 157 152 1,929
Source: Deutscher Wetterdienst[14][16][17][15][18]
Climate data for Manado
Month Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Year
Average sea temperature °C (°F) 28.9
(84.0)
28.8
(83.8)
29.1
(84.4)
29.4
(84.9)
29.8
(85.6)
29.3
(84.7)
28.9
(84.0)
28.7
(83.7)
28.6
(83.5)
29.4
(84.9)
29.6
(85.3)
29.3
(84.7)
29.0
(84.0)
Mean daily daylight hours 12.0 12.0 12.0 12.0 12.0 12.0 12.0 12.0 12.0 12.0 12.0 12.0 12.0
Average Ultraviolet index 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7
Source: Weather Atlas[19]

Administrative districts

[edit]
Manado and its bay taken from Tinoor village
Manado drone view from Megamall complex

The city is divided into eleven districts (kecamatan), including the new districts of Bunaken Kepulauan (Bunaken Islands) and Paal Dua established in 2012. These are all tabulated below with their areas and populations at the 2010 census[20] and 2020 census,[3] together with the official estimates as at mid 2022.[21] The table also includes the location of the district administrative centres, the number of urban subdistricts (all rated as kelurahan) in each district, and its post codes.

Kode
Wilayah
Name of
District
(kecamatan)
Area
in
km2
Pop'n
census
2010
Pop'n
census
2020
Pop'n
estimate
mid 2022
Admin
centre
No.
of
villages
Post
codes
71.71.09 Malalayang 17.12 54,959 61,891 62,202 Malalayang Satu 9 95115 - 95163
71.71.06 Sario 1.75 23,198 21,740 21,724 Sario 7 95113 - 95116
71.71.07 Wanea 7.85 56,962 59,757 59,829 Wanea 9 95117 - 95119
71.71.04 Wenang 3.64 32,796 32,601 32,633 Tikala Kumaraka 12 95111 - 95124
71.71.05 Tikala 7.10 69,734 30,174 30,196 Tikala Baru 5 95124 - 95129
71.71.11 Paal Dua 8.02 (a) 44,015 44,180 Ranomuut 7 95127 - 95129
71.71.08 Mapanget 49.75 53,194 63,275 64,380 Paniki Bawah 10 95249 - 95259
71.71.03 Singkil 4.68 46,721 52,732 53,025 Singkil 9 95231 - 95234
71.71.02 Tuminting 4.31 52,089 53,759 53,984 Bitung Karang Ria 10 95238 - 95239
71.71.01 Bunaken 36.19 20,828 25,669 26,130 Molas 5 95231 - 95249
71.71.10 Bunaken Kepulauan (b) 16.85 (c) 6,303 6,323 Bunaken 4 95231 - 95246
Totals 157.26 410,481 451,916 454,606 87

Notes:
(a) the 2010 population of Paal Dua District is included in the figure for Tikala District, from which it was cut out in 2013.
(b) including the small offshore islands of Pulau Bunaken, Pulau Siladen, and Pulau Manadotua. These islands form (with the larger Mantehage Island and Nain Island in North Minahasa Regency) the land components of the Bunaken National Park.
(c) the 2010 population of Bunaken Kepulauan District is included in the figure for Bunaken District, from which it was cut out in 2013.

The boundaries of Manado city are as follows:

Demographics

[edit]

Ethnicity and languages

[edit]
Minahasa women, circa 1940s

Currently, the majority of Manado city residents are from the Minahasa ethnic group. The indigenous people of Manado are from the Tombulu sub-tribe. The Tombulu language is considered one of the Minahasa languages and is spoken widely in several urban villages within Manado, for example: Wenang (Wenang / Mahawenang - kolintang), Tumumpa (down), Mahakeret (yelling), Tikala Ares (Walak Ares Tombulu, where the word 'ares' means punishable), Ranotana (ground water), Winangun (built), Wawonasa (wawoinasa - sharpened above), Pinaesaan (unity place), Pakowa (Tree of Treasure), Teling (fur / bamboo to make equipment), Titiwungen (excavated), Tuminting (from the word Ting-Ting: a bell, the inserted syllable -um- changing the noun to a verb, so Tuminting: ringing bell), Pondol (Edge), Wanea (from the word Wanua: meaning the country), etc. While the Malalayang area has residents mainly from the Bantik people, other indigenous groups in Manado today are from the Sangir, Gorontalo, Mongondow, Babontehu, Talaud, Tionudese, Siau, and Borgo peoples. There are also Arabian peranakan communities, mainly in the Kampung Arab area which is near Pasar '45 and has become a destination for religious tourism. Other ethnicities represented include Javanese, Chinese, Batak, Makassar, and Moluccans. A small Jewish community also exists.

Manado Malay is the main language spoken in Manado. It is a Malay-based creole. Some of the loan words in the Minahasan vernacular are derived from Dutch, Portuguese, and other foreign languages.

Religion

[edit]

As of 2023, Protestant Christianity is the major religion in Manado, constituting around 62.89 percent of all residents, Islam comes second forming about 30.93 percent, Catholicism comes in third forming around 5.32 percent, and the rest follow Buddhism, Hinduism, and Confucianism, each coming in at less than 1 percent each, according to North Sulawesi regional office of Statistics Indonesia.[22] In addition, about 20 Indonesian Jews live in Manado.[23] The people of Manado identify as tolerant, harmonious, open and dynamic. Therefore, the city of Manado has a relatively conducive social environment, and is known as one of the safest cities in Indonesia. When Indonesia was vulnerable to political upheaval around 1999, and there were riots in other Indonesian cities, Manado was little affected. This is shown through the slogan of the people of Manado: Torang samua basudara, which means We are all family. And also through the words of Dr. Sam Ratulangi: "Sitou, Timou, Tumou, Tou", which roughly translates to 'Man lives to educate others'.

Transportation

[edit]
Manado–Bitung Toll Road

Sam Ratulangi International Airport of Manado is one of the main ports of entry to Indonesia. In 2005, more than 15,000 international passengers entered Indonesia via Manado airport, connected with other major cities like Jakarta, Surabaya and Makassar, etc. Manado is also connected with several major cities in Asia for international routes.

Other public transportation in Manado are:

  1. Local share taxi services, known as mikrolets.
  2. Perum DAMRI buses serving airport to Manado
  3. Other buses serving Manado to other cities in North Sulawesi as well as other cities in the island of Sulawesi

Manado–Bitung Toll Road connects the city with Bitung. Terminal Malalayang, or Malalayang Bus Terminal serves as the main gateway for long-distance buses in Manado.

Cityscape

[edit]
Panoramic view of Manado

Manado is home to some of the biggest and most influential churches in the province, with many of them located along the iconic Sam Ratulangi Street.[24]

Tourism

[edit]
Snorkeling around Bunaken

Cuisine

[edit]
Fish Woku

Food typical of Manado include tinutuan, a porridge consisting of various kinds of vegetables. In addition to tinutuan, there is cakalang fufu, a smoked skipjack (Katsuwonus pelamis), roa fish (exocoetidae or torani) Parexocoetus brachypterus, kawok which is based on the meat of the forest rodent white rat Maxomys hellwandii; paniki, bat meat-based dishes; such as (Pteropus pumilus) and rinte wuuk (abbreviated to RW) which is a local name of dog meat, pork (a pig is cooked rotating over embers, usually served at parties), and babi putar (made from pork mixed with Manado spices, rolled and burned in bamboo).

There is also a typical drink from the area of Manado and its surroundings are saguer which is a kind of wine or palm wine derived from enau / aren tree (Arenga pinnata), which is then fermented. Saguer is a cap tikus (spirits with an average of 40% alcohol content). The exact amount of alcohol depends on the technique of distillation, which varies among different Minahasa villages).

Manado styled Nasi Kuning

Woku is a type of bumbu (spice mixture) found in Manado cuisine of North Sulawesi, Indonesia. It has rich aroma and spicy taste. Woku consist of ground spices paste; red ginger, turmeric, candlenut, and red chili pepper, mixed with chopped shallot, scallion, tomato, lemon or citrus leaf, and turmeric leaf, lemon basil leaf, and bruised lemongrass. Rub main ingredients (chicken or fish) with salt and lime juices, and marinate for 30 minutes. All spices are cooked in coconut oil until the aroma came up and mixed together with the main ingredients, water, and a pinch of salt, well until all cooked well.

Other typical food of Manado city which is also quite famous is nasi kuning which taste and looks different from yellow rice in other area because it is spiked with abon of cakalang rica fish and presented in a parcel using sugar palm leaves. There is also grilled fish roasted head. Dabu-dabu is a very popular typical Manado sauce, made from a mixture of red chilies, cayenne pepper, sliced red onion, and freshly diced tomatoes, and finally given a mixture of soy sauce.

Sister cities

[edit]

Language

[edit]

The local language spoken in Manado and the surrounding area is a creole of the Malay language called Manado Malay. It exhibits significant influence of Portuguese, Spanish and Dutch, for example:

  • "But" in Indonesian is "tapi", in Manado it is called "mar" (maar- Dutch word for but).
  • Chair in Indonesian is "kursi", in Minahasa it is called "kadera" (cadeira - Portuguese for chair).
  • Horse in Indonesian is "kuda", a word of Sanskrit origin. In the town of Tomohon, a horse is called "kafalio" ("cavalo" - Portuguese, "caballo" - Spanish).

While there is not much known about the origin of ideogramatical Minahasa writing system, currently the orthography used for indigenous Minahasan languages closely matches that used for Indonesian.

Notable people

[edit]

See also

[edit]

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia
from Grokipedia
Manado is the capital city of province in , situated on the northern tip of island along the Bay of Manado and surrounded by rugged volcanic mountains. Covering an area of 162.53 square kilometers at sea level elevation, it functions as the province's primary administrative, commercial, and transportation hub, with a 2020 population of 451,916 that has shown steady growth. The city stands out for its predominantly Christian demographics—approximately 64% Protestant, 4% Roman Catholic, and 31% Muslim—contrasting with Indonesia's national Muslim majority and fostering a unique multicultural environment with annual celebrations like the country's largest events. Its economy relies on , particularly as a gateway to the UNESCO-listed for world-class ; fisheries; and agriculture including coconuts and spices, supporting a among the higher in . The Minahasan ethnic group dominates, speaking as a alongside Indonesian, with a history tied to colonial influences and local resistance that shaped its resilient urban development. Manado's strategic coastal position facilitates trade and connectivity via and ferry links, while environmental challenges like and seismic activity from nearby volcanoes underscore its vulnerability in a tectonically active region. Despite these, the city maintains a vibrant food scene featuring spicy dishes and promotes interfaith harmony amid Indonesia's diverse religious landscape.

Geography and Environment

Location and Topography

Manado is located at coordinates 1°29′N 124°50′E on the northeastern coast of island, , at the northern extremity of the Minahasa Peninsula. The city occupies a position along Manado Bay, which opens into the to the north, positioning it as a coastal hub in province. This strategic placement facilitates access to surrounding marine areas, including serving as the main entry point to offshore sites like , approximately 1 hour by boat from the city. The of Manado encompasses narrow coastal plains fringing the , transitioning inland to undulating hills and steeper volcanic slopes characteristic of the Minahasa region's rugged . The area is geologically dominated by volcanic deposits overlying older Tertiary formations, reflecting ongoing tectonic activity in 's complex plate convergence zone. Nearby active stratovolcanoes, including Mount Lokon and Mount Mahawu situated about 25 kilometers southeast near , exert significant influence through periodic eruptions and associated lahars, shaping the local landscape with fertile volcanic soils amid elevated relief. Manado's setting underscores its role as a gateway to North Sulawesi's diverse geography, bridging coastal ecosystems rich in marine —such as those in the adjacent —and the inland volcanic highlands that define the province's environmental profile. The city's proximity to these features highlights its integration into a tectonically dynamic region prone to seismic and volcanic processes inherent to Sulawesi's formation.

Climate

Manado exhibits a (Köppen ), defined by persistent warmth, elevated humidity, and rainfall throughout the year without a true . Daily high temperatures average 29°C to 32°C (85°F to 90°F), while lows range from 23°C to 24°C (73°F to 76°F), yielding little variation across seasons due to the equatorial latitude. Relative humidity consistently spans 76% to 83%, peaking at 83% from January to March and dipping to 76% in , fostering a perpetually muggy environment. Precipitation totals approximately 1,790 mm (70.5 inches) annually, with monthly amounts varying from 150 mm to 218 mm; the wetter period spans October to June, featuring up to 17.8 rainy days in January, while June to October sees fewer wet days, averaging 7.1 in August. This pattern reflects influences from the northwest (November to April), which delivers heavier convective rains, contrasted by the relatively subdued southeast in the mid-to-late year. Manado's coastal position moderates extremes through sea breezes and stable ocean temperatures (28°C to 29°C year-round), though inland elevation gradients nearby can introduce localized convective activity enhancing orographic rainfall.

Natural Hazards and Disasters

Manado lies within the tectonically active Pacific Ring of Fire, where the convergence of the Philippine Sea Plate and the Eurasian Plate generates frequent seismic events in North Sulawesi. This positioning exposes the city to earthquakes, with historical records including a magnitude 5.1 event on May 5, 2011, that jolted the area at 4:45 PM local time. The 2018 magnitude 7.5 earthquake in Central Sulawesi, while centered over 500 km south, elevated awareness of regional fault interactions and potential for cascading seismic risks in northern areas, though Manado reported no major direct damage. Volcanic hazards stem from proximity to active stratovolcanoes such as Lokon-Empung, located approximately 15 km southwest of the city center, and Soputan, about 50 km south. Lokon-Empung's Tompaluan crater has produced and strombolian eruptions, including sustained activity from September 2012 to September 2013 and a significant event in May 2015 that ejected ash plumes. Soputan's July 2011 explosive eruption generated an ash column reaching 6,000 meters, prompting temporary closure of Manado's due to ash fallout. Empirical eruption histories indicate recurrent activity driven by magma ascent in the subduction zone, with ash dispersion patterns frequently threatening urban infrastructure and aviation. Flooding represents a recurrent hydrometeorological threat, exacerbated by intense tropical rainfall, steep topography channeling runoff into urban lowlands, and inadequate drainage systems in densely populated areas. Events intensify when average rainfall exceeds 21.79 mm/hour, cumulative precipitation surpasses 52.64 mm, or peak intensities top 64 mm, overwhelming the Tondano River watershed. On January 27, 2023, heavy rains triggered overflows affecting 23 villages across eight districts, causing landslides, five fatalities, and displacement of thousands. Similar routine flooding recurred in early 2024, impacting areas like Komo Luar and highlighting persistent vulnerabilities despite early warning systems that utilize river gauges and mobile alerts for riverbank communities. Landslides accompany floods in upland zones, with approximately 3,600 hectares classified at medium to very high risk based on 2023 vulnerability mapping. Risk assessments identify 53 sub-districts in high flood hazard classes, underscoring causal links to precipitation variability and urban expansion into floodplains.

History

Pre-Colonial and Early Settlement

The Minahasa region, encompassing the area of present-day Manado, was settled by Austronesian-speaking peoples whose cultural practices included megalithic traditions, as evidenced by archaeological remains such as waruga—stone coffins shaped like traditional houses used for secondary burials. These artifacts, concentrated in Minahasa, reflect ancestral veneration and megalithic influences among early inhabitants, with sites like Taman Waruga Sawangan containing up to 144 such graves dating to the megalithic period. Archaeological surveys identify Minahasa as North Sulawesi's primary locus for these remains, underscoring indigenous settlement patterns tied to animistic beliefs and communal rituals prior to external contacts. Early Minahasan communities developed subsistence economies centered on coastal fishing and slash-and-burn agriculture, adapted to the volcanic highlands and shorelines of the peninsula. Oral histories and systems, such as the pre-colonial kalakeran (collective family-based ownership), indicate organized across clans or awu, fostering stable village clusters without centralized hierarchies. These societies maintained localized networks for exchanging products, marine resources, and tools, linking inland highland groups with coastal enclaves, though evidence of broader inter-island commerce remains sparse before Austronesian expansions from the and integrated maritime elements around the late . The etymological root of "Manado" traces to Minahasan linguistic terms denoting a "far" or distant coastal locale, reflecting its position as a peripheral settlement amid Minahasa's fragmented polities, which later unified in confederations like those implied by the term "Minahasa" (united or made one) to counter regional threats. Such naming conventions, preserved in oral traditions, highlight geographic isolation rather than mythic origins, aligning with archaeological indications of gradual inland-to-coastal migrations shaping ethnic identities.

Colonial Era

European exploration of the Manado region began in the , with and Spanish traders and missionaries establishing initial footholds in amid competition for spice trade routes. Spanish forces occupied nearby islands like , prompting local Minahasan resistance that intensified by the mid-17th century. The (VOC) first arrived in 1608 to procure rice from Manado Tua, supporting their operations in the Moluccas, and captured Siau from the Spanish in 1614. By 1657, the VOC had secured a permanent presence in Manado, constructing (also known as Fort Nieuw Amsterdam) to consolidate control and counter Spanish influence. A pivotal treaty in 1679 between VOC Governor Robertus Padtbrugge and Minahasan chiefs formalized alliances, granting the Dutch monopoly over rice exports in exchange for protection against external threats, including Spanish garrisons. This arrangement shifted local economies toward compulsory labor and deliveries, with Minahasans maintaining VOC forts, warehouses, and providing rice to feed spice plantation workers in the Moluccas, underpinning the broader and trade. Christian missionary efforts, initially limited under VOC rule, accelerated in the 19th century after direct Dutch colonial administration replaced the bankrupt company in 1800. Protestant missions, supported by the Netherlands Missionary Society, established schools emphasizing literacy and doctrine, achieving rapid conversions among Minahasans; by 1839, over 4,000 pupils attended 56 schools, fostering a Protestant majority through education tied to administrative privileges. This contrasted with forced labor systems, including rice quotas and emerging cash crop plantations like coffee, which extracted surpluses via head taxes and corvée, straining local agriculture. Colonial rule faced sporadic resistance, including tribal conflicts and uprisings against VOC exactions, though Minahasan elites often allied with the Dutch for mutual defense. Tensions peaked during transitional periods, such as the British capture of Manado in 1810 amid the Napoleonic Wars, which briefly disrupted Dutch monopolies before restoration in 1817. Later 19th-century resistances highlighted strains from intensified exploitation, yet overall cooperation persisted due to shared anti-Islamic and anti-Spanish interests.

Post-Independence Developments

Following the recognition of independence in 1949, Manado and the surrounding Minahasa region experienced tensions over central government control, culminating in the rebellion declared on March 2, 1957, by civil and military leaders in eastern , with its center in Manado. The movement, led by figures including Ventje Sumual, sought greater political, economic, and regional amid grievances over Java-centric policies and resource distribution, extending rapidly to where local army commanders joined. The rebellion involved armed confrontations and U.S. support via air operations until its suppression by central forces around 1961, after which Manado integrated more firmly under Jakarta's authority. In the aftermath, was established as a province in 1964, with Manado designated its capital city by 1962 through declaration of the People's Representative Council, solidifying its administrative role despite prior rebel declarations of autonomy in 1957. Under the New Order regime from 1966, Manado prospered through implemented economic reforms addressing some demands, though political changes lagged, fostering stability and urbanization. Population grew from approximately 100,000 in 1980 to 451,916 by the 2020 census, reflecting migration and development as the urban center of . Indonesia's decentralization reforms, enacted via Law No. 22 of 1999 on effective January 1, 2001, devolved significant powers to regional administrations, enhancing Manado's local autonomy in sectors like administration and services previously centralized under . This "big bang" shift reduced separatist pressures by empowering districts and municipalities, including Manado, to manage budgets and policies more independently. Recent initiatives, such as the expansion of —doubling terminal size from 26,000 to 56,000 square meters completed in 2021—have supported connectivity and growth, positioning Manado as a key gateway for .

Government and Administration

Local Governance

Manado operates as an (kota) within Indonesia's decentralized governance system, administered by a directly elected (wali kota) and a municipal (Dewan Perwakilan Rakyat Daerah Kota Manado, or DPRD Kota). The 's term lasts five years, with elections conducted by the General Elections Commission (Komisi Pemilihan Umum, or KPU) under national regulations. Andrei Angouw, representing the (PDI-P), serves as the incumbent , having been re-elected in the 2024 pilkada alongside Vice Mayor Richard Sualang; the pair garnered the highest vote share, as certified by KPU Manado in its December 2024 plenary session. Fiscal operations exhibit heavy reliance on transfers, which dominate the city's annual ; for 2025, regional revenues reached Rp 1.764,50 billion, with transfer funds comprising the bulk alongside local own-source revenues (PAD) of Rp 521,50 billion derived chiefly from taxes on hotels, restaurants, and activities. PAD contributions, while growing, remain secondary to allocations like Dana Alokasi Umum (DAU), reflecting structural dependencies common in Indonesian municipalities but bolstered by Manado's sector. Local has faced scrutiny for inefficiencies and risks, including a 2022 Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) probe into asset mismanagement at the municipal water utility (PDAM), underscoring vulnerabilities in public and administration. Investment climate assessments highlight poor formal offset by informal networks driving economic activity, potentially perpetuating opacity. Conversely, achievements in policy execution include coordinated efforts, such as flood early warning systems alerting riverine communities via mobile notifications, aiding mitigation of recurrent hazards like landslides and inundations.

Administrative Districts

Manado is divided into 11 kecamatan (districts) for administrative purposes: , Bunaken Kepulauan, Malalayang, Mapanget, Paal Dua, Sario, , Tikala, Tuminting, Wanea, and Wenang. These subdivisions encompass 87 kelurahan (urban villages) and manage local spatial organization, including residential and basic services delivery. The 2020 national reported a total population of 451,916 residents distributed across the kecamatan, reflecting uneven growth patterns driven by . Central urban kecamatan such as Sario, Wenang, and Tikala exhibit the highest densities—Sario exceeding 13,000 inhabitants per km² as of recent estimates—due to compact commercial and residential cores, while peripheral districts like Mapanget (spanning 49.75 km²) and maintain lower densities owing to expansive suburban or coastal terrains. and Bunaken Kepulauan, encompassing offshore islands, focus on eco-tourism zoning with sparser populations, contrasting denser inland areas prone to informal settlements. This framework supports hazard planning, with coastal kecamatan (e.g., Malalayang, Wanea) designated for and controls based on topographic vulnerabilities, enabling targeted like drainage systems in high-risk zones. Variations in density inform urban expansion policies, prioritizing in less populated northern and eastern peripheries over saturated cores.

Demographics

The population of Manado stood at 451,916 according to Indonesia's conducted by Badan Pusat Statistik (BPS). Covering a land area of 157.3 km², this equated to a density of 2,874 inhabitants per km², substantially exceeding the provincial average of approximately 137 per km². By 2024, the had risen to 464,810, driven by a of 1.48% from 2019, attributable to natural increase (births exceeding deaths) and net positive migration balances. BPS projections incorporating these factors, including inter-censal surveys like SUPAS, anticipate further modest expansion into 2025, potentially reaching around 473,000 amid sustained rural-to-urban inflows from North Sulawesi's agricultural hinterlands. These trends reflect Manado's function as the provincial capital and economic focal point, channeling internal migrants seeking non-farm employment opportunities, which has accelerated rates beyond the national average of about 1.2% annually in recent censuses. However, such growth has strained housing and services, with density now approaching 3,000 per km² in core districts and informal expansions noted in peripheral zones vulnerable to .

Ethnic Composition

The ethnic composition of Manado is dominated by the Minahasa people, who form the majority of the city's residents and include the indigenous Tombulu sub-group native to the area. Other prominent local ethnic groups include the Sangirese, Talaud, and Bolaang Mongondow, contributing to a regionally cohesive demographic base drawn from North Sulawesi's indigenous populations. A significant Chinese minority is also present, historically involved in and noted for its size relative to other Indonesian cities outside major trade hubs. Smaller minorities encompass Malay and traders, alongside migrants from adjacent regions such as , Maluku, and Papua, driven by internal economic migration within eastern rather than large-scale influxes from . Integration dynamics feature substantial , with intermarriage rates particularly high between Chinese and Minahasa groups, fostering multiracial households and reducing ethnic silos. Indonesian census data, while tracking overall population growth from 408,354 in 2010 to 451,916 in 2020, does not routinely publish granular ethnic breakdowns at the municipal level, limiting precise proportional tracking to local surveys and estimates.

Languages

Indonesian (Bahasa Indonesia) functions as the in Manado, mandated for use in government administration, public signage, formal education, and media, consistent with its national status across established by the 1945 Constitution and subsequent language policies. , a creole variety of Malay developed during the Dutch colonial period around 1658, serves as the dominant for everyday communication among residents, facilitating interactions across diverse ethnic groups in the city and surrounding areas. This creole incorporates Austronesian Malay roots with substantial loanwords from , Dutch, Spanish, and sources, reflecting historical maritime trade routes and European colonial contacts dating to the 16th and 17th centuries. Indigenous , part of the Austronesian family and including varieties such as Tombulu', Tondano, and Tonsea, are spoken by subsets of the local population, particularly in rural districts adjacent to Manado; these form a proto-Minahasan subgroup more closely related among themselves than to Malayic tongues. However, has increasingly displaced these heritage languages in urban settings, with speakers shifting toward the creole for broader utility. is prevalent, as most residents command at least Indonesian and alongside a local vernacular, enabling trade and social cohesion amid the region's ethnic linguistic mosaic but complicating monolingual Indonesian-based schooling, where proficiency gaps in formal registers persist.

Religion

Manado exhibits a Protestant Christian majority, with approximately 55.6% of the population adhering to , 4.9% to Catholicism, 38.5% to , and smaller percentages to (0.2%), (0.1%), and (0.04%), according to local statistical reports derived from data. This composition reflects a higher proportion of compared to the broader province, where Protestants form about 66% of residents, attributable to urban migration patterns in the capital. The city features one of Indonesia's highest densities of churches, underscoring the centrality of to local identity, with numerous Protestant and Catholic places of worship far exceeding those in Muslim-majority regions nationwide. Christianity was introduced to the Manado area, part of the Minahasa highlands, primarily through Dutch colonial missions in the mid-19th century, following earlier VOC efforts in the that established initial footholds amid resistance to Islamic influences from neighboring trade routes. Missionaries such as Johann Friedrich Riedel promoted conversions tied to education and economic incentives like cultivation exemptions, leading to widespread adoption among Minahasan communities by the late 1800s. Post-independence, this Christian base has resisted broader national trends toward Islamization, bolstered by Indonesia's Pancasila framework requiring recognition of but allowing local majorities to maintain dominance, though demographic shifts from Muslim in-migration have narrowed the gap in urban Manado. Despite relative interfaith tolerance encapsulated in local slogans like "Torang Samua Basudara" (we are all siblings), religious tensions persist within Indonesia's Muslim-majority context, including a arson attack on a church in Manado by unidentified assailants amid heightened ethnic and sectarian frictions. Building permit disputes for minority sites remain a flashpoint nationally, with in Manado occasionally facing bureaucratic hurdles or protests from Islamist groups invoking regulations against "illegal" structures, though local authorities often mediate through community dialogues to preserve harmony. Such incidents highlight causal pressures from centralized policies favoring the majority faith, yet Manado's Christian plurality enables proactive defense mechanisms absent in other provinces.

Economy

Overview and Key Sectors

![Manado Town Square shopping mall.jpg][float-right] Manado's economy is characterized by a regional gross domestic product (PDRB) of approximately IDR 43.9 trillion in 2022, with per capita income reaching IDR 115.14 million in 2024 at current prices, surpassing the national average of around IDR 75-80 million. The city's growth is driven primarily by the services sector, including trade, wholesale, and retail, which contributes significantly to economic output alongside fisheries and small-scale agriculture. These sectors reflect Manado's role as a commercial hub in North Sulawesi, though the economy remains reliant on remittances from migrant workers, with historical data indicating billions of rupiah in inflows supporting household incomes. Fisheries and agriculture form foundational pillars, with the , , and fisheries sector contributing to overall provincial growth and providing livelihoods through small-scale operations rather than large industrial ventures. and services, encompassing wholesale, retail, and financial activities, dominate urban economic activity, often accounting for over 40-50% of local output based on sectoral analyses. However, faces structural challenges, including a bureaucracy that prioritizes informal extractions over efficient planning, as evidenced by studies highlighting poor coordination and exclusive elite networks hindering broader expansion. This dynamic sustains modest growth but limits diversification beyond traditional sectors.

Tourism and Marine Industries

Manado functions as the primary entry point for visitors to , a key attraction for enthusiasts drawn to its steep wall formations and high marine . Established in 1991 and spanning roughly 89,000 hectares—97% marine—the park features ecosystems with thousands of fish species, diverse corals, and protected marine mammals, earning a place on UNESCO's World Heritage tentative list in 2002. Diving operations emphasize sites with exceptional visibility and species richness, supporting eco-tourism that relies on health for sustained appeal. Post-2000 development saw expansion of dive resorts and liveaboard facilities around Manado and Bunaken's islands, boosting accessibility via . Annual visitors to the park reached 32,000 to 39,000 between 2003 and 2006, with 8,000 to 10,000 international arrivals focused on diving, though numbers fluctuate seasonally with dry months from May to seeing peaks. This activity generates income from permits, guiding, and lodging, with broader regional diving— including nearby muck sites—contributing over 2,000 jobs and millions in annual revenue across Indonesia's similar operations. Sustainability issues persist, including reef degradation from anchor damage, diver contact, and litter accumulation amid rising tourist volumes, prompting calls for stricter limits to avert mass tourism impacts. Revenue distribution has drawn criticism for disproportionately benefiting Manado-based operators and elites over peripheral island communities, where inadequate co-management hinders local gains despite park fees intended for conservation and livelihoods. Complementing tourism, Manado's marine industries center on capture fisheries and processing, with the port handling catches via sustainable pole-and-line techniques that minimize compared to alternatives. Small-scale fishers and SMEs produce value-added items like rica roa—spicy grilled or —exported regionally, though the sector faces pressures from declining stocks and competition, contributing to employment but requiring modernization for efficiency.

Economic Challenges and Criticisms

Manado's open rate reached 8.85% in 2023, exceeding the national figure of approximately 5% and reflecting structural weaknesses in job creation beyond and fisheries. This rate is particularly elevated in informal urban slums, where residents face limited access to formal and skills mismatches persist despite regional budget allocations aimed at mitigation. Empirical analyses from 2007–2021 attribute much of the stagnation to inflationary pressures and incomplete realization of local government expenditures, which fail to generate sufficient productive jobs. The city's economic vulnerability is amplified by overreliance on , rendering it susceptible to global downturns like the , which slashed visitor arrivals and triggered widespread layoffs in hospitality and ancillary services. In Manado, the abrupt halt in dive and related activities—core to North Sulawesi's economy—mirrored national patterns where the sector's collapse contributed to a spike in informal , with recovery strategies proving insufficient to restore pre-2020 levels. This dependency underscores a lack of diversification, as alternative sectors like remain underdeveloped due to infrastructural and regulatory barriers. Recurrent , driven by heavy monsoons, tidal surges, and inadequate drainage, routinely disrupts , which support thousands of households but yield inconsistent incomes. A climate vulnerability assessment documented how such events contaminate fishing grounds, damage boats and gear, and interrupt supply chains, with economic losses unquantified in local planning yet evident in reduced catches reported post-flood. Critics argue that rapid, unregulated urban expansion—including coastal reclamation—has worsened flood proneness by eroding natural buffers like mangroves, imposing externalities such as repair costs and lost productivity that outweigh short-term development gains. Local fiscal dependency on central subsidies, comprising a substantial portion of Manado's budget via transfers like DAU and DAK, perpetuates inefficiencies in governance and resource allocation. World Bank diagnostics for highlight institutional weaknesses, including opaque decision-making and , which dilute subsidy impacts and stifle private investment needed for resilience. These patterns reflect broader causal failures in decentralizing authority without corresponding capacity-building, leaving the prone to exogenous shocks without adaptive mechanisms.

Infrastructure

Transportation Networks

Sam Ratulangi International Airport, located 13 kilometers northeast of Manado, serves as the primary aviation gateway, accommodating both domestic and international flights primarily to destinations in . The airport functions as a hub for airlines such as and , with its international terminal designed for up to 183,000 passengers annually and the domestic terminal for 1.3 million. In 2018, it handled 2,819,640 passengers and 12,250 aircraft movements, reflecting steady growth prior to the disruptions. Recent expansions include new international routes, such as TransNusa's Manado-Shenzhen service launched in October 2025 to enhance connectivity with . Road networks radiate from Manado's urban core, linking the city to the Minahasa highlands via primary arteries like the route toward and Tondano Lake, facilitating access to inland agricultural and tourist areas. These roads support regional connectivity but face chronic congestion in central segments, such as Pasar Karombasan, where public perception identifies causes including illegal parking, sidewalk encroachments, and vehicles driving against as of August 2025. Urban traffic bottlenecks exacerbate delays, particularly during peak hours and rainy seasons prone to flooding and landslides. Public transit in Manado remains limited and informal, predominantly relying on angkot—small blue minibuses operating on fixed but loosely enforced routes, accommodating 8-12 passengers at fares around Rp 2,900-5,000 per trip as of recent reports. These vehicles form the backbone of intra-city mobility, supplemented by ojek taxis, but lack integrated scheduling or modern amenities, leading to inefficiencies and overcrowding. No comprehensive or rail systems exist, constraining scalability amid . Ferry services connect Manado to nearby islands, notably , via public boats departing daily (except Sundays) from Dermaga Wisata Kalimas around 2-3 p.m., with a one-way of Rp 50,000 and travel time of 45-50 minutes. These outrigger boats carry passengers to Bunaken's main harbor, supporting to the marine park, though private charters are available for flexibility at higher costs starting around Rp 200,000 for small groups. Operations depend on , with no major expansions reported in recent updates.

Urban Development and Utilities

Manado's urban landscape includes a developing skyline characterized by mid-rise structures and recent additions such as the Universitas expansion in and the RSUD Sulawesi Utara hospital, contributing to modern districts like Grand Kawanua International City, which encompasses mixed-use developments including hotels and commercial spaces. The city integrates informal settlements amid formal growth, with initiatives emphasizing flood mitigation to enhance resilience, though challenges persist in socio-spatial transformations along coastal areas like Boulevard II. Electricity supply relies heavily on from the Lahendong power plant near , which added 20 MW capacity via its extension and supports baseload generation for the region amid North 's 700 MW geothermal potential. Water utilities face significant hurdles from recurrent flooding exacerbated by heavy rainfall, low-lying , and inadequate drainage, leading to overflows and service disruptions; post-2014 flood investments include expanded dikes and early warning systems. In the 2020s, the National Urban Flood Resilience Project has supported enhanced capacities for risk , , and to address these gaps, though vulnerabilities to remain due to under-maintained systems and population pressures.

Culture and Society

Culinary Traditions

Manado's culinary traditions are rooted in Minahasa cuisine, characterized by intense spiciness from liberal use of chilies and fresh local ingredients, reflecting the region's volcanic soils and coastal access to seafood. A staple breakfast dish is tinutuan, or bubur Manado, a rice porridge incorporating pumpkin, sweet potatoes, corn, spinach, and lemon basil, often topped with sambal and salted fish for added heat and saltiness. Seafood features prominently in spicy preparations like rica-rica, a chili-heavy spice paste (bumbu) of shallots, garlic, lemongrass, and lime leaves applied to grilled or braised fish such as skipjack tuna (cakalang), leveraging Manado's proximity to fishing grounds. Historical influences from Chinese traders and Dutch colonial rule have integrated into local practices, evident in soups with elements and desserts like klappertaart, a with raisins and almonds baked in a meringue-like topping. Traditional Minahasan rituals historically included consumption of , prepared as rintek wuuk or in spicy stews, symbolizing communal feasting, though province banned the dog and cat meat trade in 2023 to address risks and concerns. Street food vendors, operating from mobile stalls and markets like Bersehati, play a key role in the local economy by providing affordable access to these dishes, supporting small-scale entrepreneurship amid Manado's tourism-driven growth, with meals often priced under IDR 50,000 (about USD 3.20 as of 2025).

Festivals and Customs

Manado's festivals prominently feature Christian traditions, reflecting the city's Protestant majority among the Minahasan ethnic group. , observed on December 25, is the most significant holiday, marked by elaborate church services, family gatherings, and widespread choral performances, including singing by local groups such as The Quintorum, an Indonesian contemporary ensemble based in Manado. These celebrations often incorporate traditional Minahasan music like kolintang, wooden ensembles, alongside modern hymns, emphasizing community devotion and cultural continuity in a predominantly Christian region. , in March or April depending on the , similarly involves processions and communal feasts, though on a smaller scale than . Secular and cultural festivals highlight Manado's multicultural fabric, blending indigenous Minahasan customs with influences from Chinese and other migrant communities. The annual Manado International , or Fiesta Manado, typically held in , showcases traditional dances such as Tari Kabasaran—a warrior dance originating from the Minahasa highlands—performed by locals in vibrant attire to symbolize historical valor and unity. The , occurring around July, celebrates the region's marine heritage with boat parades, diving exhibitions, and cultural shows, drawing tourists to the nearby while promoting environmental awareness through local rituals honoring the sea. These events underscore ethnic diversity, with Minahasan Protestants, Chinese Buddhists, and participating in shared public spectacles that foster intergroup harmony. Chinese-influenced add layers to Manado's calendar, particularly in the historic district. (Imlek), celebrated in January or February per the , culminates in Cap Go Meh on the 15th day, featuring lion dances, dragon parades, and temple processions at sites like the Bang Hian Kiong Temple, Indonesia's oldest temple outside . The Toa Peh Kong festival, an annual Chinese sea god homage in February, involves boat offerings and communal prayers, reflecting the community's seafaring roots and integration into Manado's port-city identity. Such observances, while rooted in minority traditions, attract broad participation and , amplifying Manado's reputation for tolerant, syncretic amid 's diverse archipelago.

Social Dynamics

Manado's social fabric is characterized by strong cohesion rooted in its predominantly Christian Minahasan , which constitutes the ethnic core of the and fosters communal bonds through church-based networks and shared cultural practices. With over a thousand churches serving as hubs for social interaction, these institutions promote interfaith via forums that encourage inclusive and mutual respect among residents, contributing to Manado's designation as Indonesia's most tolerant in 2017. This cohesion is reinforced by local governance mechanisms that integrate , drawing on Minahasan values of openness to mitigate potential conflicts in a diverse urban setting. Minahasan family structures emphasize extended networks organized around patrilineal lines, where clans maintain communal ties through traditional village assemblies and shared rituals, preserving social stability amid . These clans, spanning eight ethnic subgroups within the Minahasa region, prioritize collective decision-making in matters of and , with intermarriage patterns historically strengthening alliances among subgroups. Such structures provide resilience against external pressures, though rapid migration into Manado has introduced strains by diluting clan-based solidarity in peripheral neighborhoods. In fishing communities surrounding Manado, such as those in nearby , gender roles traditionally assign men primary responsibility for at-sea harvesting while women dominate post-harvest processing, marketing, and sales, often comprising up to 70% of fish traders in local markets as of 2021. These divisions stem from cultural norms viewing sea work as physically demanding for women, limiting their access to vessels and formal credit, though initiatives like the ILO's "Mams " program since 2023 have promoted women's in fisheries to challenge such barriers and enhance household resilience. Multiculturalism in Manado supports empirical patterns of coexistence, with Muslim and Christian residents engaging in reciprocal social exchanges, such as tailored services during events to respect dietary practices, yet underlying tensions arise from influxes of Muslim migrants straining resources in Christian-majority enclaves. While overt incidents remain rare compared to national trends, surveys indicate declining tolerance levels amid national religious polarization, prompting revitalization of local wisdom to govern diversity and prevent escalation. This dynamic underscores a balance between historical harmony and emerging frictions from demographic shifts, without widespread reported in recent data.

Notable Individuals

Alexander Andries Maramis (20 June 1897 – 31 July 1977), born in Manado, was an Indonesian statesman and national hero who served as the Republic of 's first Minister of Finance from 1945 to 1947 and contributed to the formulation of the 1945 Constitution as a member of the Investigating Committee for Preparatory Work for Independence (BPUPK). Arnold Mononutu (4 December 1896 – 5 September 1983), also born in Manado, was a civil servant and nationalist leader who advocated for Indonesian unity during the colonial era and post-independence period, earning recognition as a national hero for his efforts in promoting federalism and reconciliation in eastern . Robert Wolter Mongisidi (14 February 1925 – 5 September 1949), born in the Malalayang district of , was a teacher-turned-independence fighter who organized resistance against Dutch reoccupation in ; captured and executed by Dutch forces in , he was posthumously declared a national hero in 1970 for his guerrilla activities and leadership in youth movements. (born 9 September 1985 in ) is a retired player who specialized in , securing a silver medal at the 2016 Rio Olympics with Tontowi Ahmad, along with world championship titles in 2013, 2015, and 2018, and multiple Southeast Asian Games golds, establishing her as one of Indonesia's most decorated athletes in the sport.

References

  1. https://en.wikibooks.org/wiki/The_Geology_of_Indonesia/Sulawesi
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