As the plane descended, passengers prepared to land at Sam Ratulangi Airport in Manado, revealing the breathtaking scenery of North Sulawesi. The lush green mountains, tropical forests, winding rivers, and fertile farmlands painted a picture of natural beauty. Coconut plantations, clove, and nutmeg fields, and small houses surrounded by tropical fruit trees showcased the region's agricultural richness. Near the coast, fishermen readied their boats, highlighting the importance of agriculture and fishing to the local economy. This fertile land and rich sea significantly contribute to North Sulawesi's economic growth.
Before the COVID-19 pandemic, North Sulawesi thrived with stable 6% economic growth from 2015 to 2019. However, the pandemic hit hard, contracting the economy by -0.99% in 2020. Despite the challenges, the region showed resilience, bouncing back with a 4.16% growth in 2021. Sectors like accommodation, food services, and health care played vital roles in this recovery. Post-pandemic, North Sulawesi's economy continued to improve, nearing pre-pandemic levels by 2022-2023. The region's human development index (HDI) saw significant progress, reflecting improvements in health, education, and living standards. The enduring spirit and hard work of its people underscore North Sulawesi's robust and hopeful recovery.
