RELIGION
The people in North Sulawesi are followers of Christian, Islam, Hinduism and Budhism. Merchants brought the Islamic Religion through the ports and small seaside villages in Gorontalo and Bolaang Mongondow. People in these regions are predominanatly Moslem. Islam was introduced in Minahasa by the national heroes Pangeran Diponegoro, Imam Bonjol, Kyai Modjo, and their followers when they were exiled during the Dutch occupation.
Christianity first started in Manado Tua, an island in the Bay of Manado, and the islands of Sangihe Talaud around 1563 when the Portuguese merchants began spice trading. The notable Christian Missionaries were L. Lammers in Manado (1822), Muller in Kema (1833), G.J. Helendorn in Manado (1827), J.F. Riedel in Tondano (1833), and J.G. Schwarz in Langowan (1831).
Buddhism was introduced by Chinese merchants around 1881. A traditional Buddhist temple was built in the center of Manado to provide a house of worship for the followers of Buddha.
Hinduism came to North Sulawesi in 1963. The transmigrates from Bali brought Hinduism to North Sulawesi and the followers are concentrated near Bolaang Mongondow. |
