Gorontalo is a province of Indonesia on the northern part of Sulawesi island. Gorontalo province was established in December 2000 after splitting from North Sulawesi province. The capital is the city with the same name, Gorontalo.
Etymology
There are various opinions concerning the origin of the name Gorontalo.
* derives from Hulontalangio, a name of a tribe that resided in the area
* derives from Hua Lolontalango, which means cavemen who used to walk back and forth
* derives from Hulutalangi, which means nobler
* derives from Huluo Lo Tola, which means a place where snakehead fish breed
* derives from Pongolatalo or Pohulatalo, which means: a waiting place
* derives fron Gunung Telu, which means three mountains
* derives from Hunto, which means a place that is always flowed by water
Geography
Gorontalo province lies on the northern Sulawesi arm, known as the Minahassa Peninsula. The province has an elongated shape area , stretching from west to east almost horizontally on a map, with the total area of 12,215.44 km² (4,716.41 sq mi). To the north and the south of the province are Sulawesi Sea and Gulf of Tomini, respectively. Prior 2000, Gorontalo province was part of North Sulawesi province on the eastern border. The western border of the province is Central Sulawesi province.
Topography of the province is relatively low (0—40o), with the elevation ranges between 0—2,400 m (7,874.02 ft) above the sea level. Its coastline length is more than 590 km (366.61 mi). Counting the Exclusive Economic Zone to the north where Philippines is at the border, the total sea area of the province is more than 50,500 km² (19,498.16 sq mi). There are some small islands around the north and the south of the province, 67 of which have been identification and are named.
History
Pre-Independence
In 1525, three small rock forts were built overlooking the waters of Lake Limboto with Portuguese assistance. Still in place today, the Fort Otonaha complex has commanding views.
The Spanish also entered the area in limited numbers via the Philippines during the mid-1500s. They introduced corn, tomatoes, chilli peppers, horses, and the afternoon siesta to Gorontalo, all of which are an integral part life today.
The Dutch under the aegis of the United East India Company (VOC) worked to wrest control of the lucrative spice trade away from the Sultanate of Ternate and push out all other European competitors. Gradually, the Dutch gained political control here and ended the power of the local kings.
Independence
The people of Gorontalo achieved independence from Dutch rule in 1942. This was partly through the efforts of the guerrilla/freedom fighter and local hero Nani Wartabone, who forced out the occupying Japanese during World War II.
Since the city escaped Allied bombing during the war, a number of Dutch-era buildings are still standing. Although many are in poor repair, Gorontalo City has a distinctive colonial appearance.
Post Independence of Indonesia
After Indonesia proclaimed its independence, Gorontalo became part of North Sulawesi province.
Become Province
Gorontalo secede from North Sulawesi province in 2000.
PLACE OF INTERESTS:
Utanggole
Saronde is a very beautiful island with white sandy beaches. The water is suitable for swimming, sailing, snorkling and water skiing. It can be reached from the small town of Kwandang (65 kilometers from Gorontalo) or Dambalo (68 kkilometers from Gorontalo) or Molontadu (73 kilometers from Gorontalo). TO the north of this island are Payu Island, which is smaller, and Utanggole, a bigger island.
Tangale Nature Reserve
The Tangale Nature Reserve located 35 kilometers from Gorontalo. It is inhabited by various kinds rare birds. The reserve is 125 hectares large.
Pulau Mas, Popaya and Nature Reserve
The Pulau Mas, Popaya and Raja Nature Reserve consist of the three islands located not far to the west of Tanjung Samin, in the distrtict of Kwandang. Living in this area are green turtles, belimbing turtles and the rare finturtles. Kwandang is 90 kilometers from Gorontalo, and can bve reached in one hour. From Kwandang to Raja island, the trip takes two and a half hours by motorboat.
Panua Nature Reserve
Panua Nature Reserve is 160 kilometers from Gorontalo, via Trans-Sulawesi Highway. Still found here are cempaka, banyan, and latula trees, and rare bird species like the maleo. This nature reserve lies in an area 45,000 hectares large and is the main breeding place for maleo birds.
