The dramatic deflation of the Indonesian rupiah on the world market offers Indonesia the opportunity to boast trade, through Legal reforms in terms of distribution, in an area containing one of Indonesia's richest assets, in terms of ecotourism - Manado.

Situated on the Northern tip of Sulawesi the ancient port of Manado, a traditional gateway for trade North to what is Modern day Philippines, East to the spice Islands of Maluku and South into modern day Indonesia.

Manado today remains an important port for the outer islands of Indonesia and the spice trade, notably Vanilla, and has also become the primary educational centre for eastern Indonesia and developed into one of Indonesia's prime Tourist destinations hosting the wondrous "Sea Gardens" of Bunaken island, one of the top five dive sites in the world.

The upside of the recent Economic Crisis for Manado is the crash of the Indonesian rupiah has created a situation where Philipinos are flocking to Manado to take advantage of cheap prices of Electronics and Sundries (soap, washing powder, etc.).

Tourist infrastructure already exists and was being improved, although many projects have been suspended, direct international links have been established to the Philippines and Singapore and the natural beauty of the area should attract big business; Adventure English Language learning holidays, Conferences and back to the tradition of the region - Trade.

by Geoff Andrews