Manado

In August 1998, the city of Manado was rocked by a wave of riots and unrest. The riots were triggered by economic and political tensions in Indonesia during a period of significant national turmoil following the fall of President Suharto. The unrest in Manado included looting and clashes, reflecting the larger crisis happening across the country at the time. The riots resulted in damage to property and heightened security concerns in the region, though the exact number of casualties was not well-documented.

Following the devastating 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami, an earthquake off the coast of Manado on January 2, 2005, prompted fears of a potential tsunami. The earthquake led to panic among residents who remembered the recent disaster. Although a tsunami did not occur, the event highlighted the region's vulnerability to seismic activity and underscored the need for improved disaster preparedness and early warning systems. This earthquake acted as a catalyst for public and governmental initiatives aimed at earthquake education and awareness.

The inaugural World Ocean Conference 2009 took place in Manado, bringing global leaders together to address climate change and its impact on the ocean. The conference resulted in the Manado Ocean Declaration, emphasizing the importance of protecting the oceans and establishing a global agenda for preservation efforts. It highlighted Indonesia's role in marine conservation and was followed by the Coral Triangle Initiative on Coral Reefs, Fisheries, and Food Security Summit, focusing on regional cooperation to sustain marine resources.

Manado hosted the 2011 Coral Triangle Initiative Summit, reinforcing its role as a key player in marine biodiversity conservation. The summit focused on the protection of the Coral Triangle, a biodiversity hotspot vital for marine life. Representatives from six countries in the region discussed cooperation strategies to tackle challenges like overfishing, coral bleaching, and habitat destruction. The meeting strengthened international collaboration and outlined commitments for sustainable marine resource management in the Triangle.

In January 2014, the city of Manado in North Sulawesi, Indonesia, experienced severe flooding after heavy rainfall. The floods submerged large parts of the city, leading to the evacuation of thousands of residents. Infrastructure was heavily affected, with roads becoming impassable and many homes and buildings damaged. The floods were part of a series of widespread flooding events in various regions of Indonesia during that period, affecting around 40,000 people in Manado alone.

Mount Lokon, a volcano located near Manado, Indonesia, erupted on November 24, 2014, sending volcanic ash 2,000 meters into the air. The eruption temporarily forced the closure of Sam Ratulangi International Airport due to the ash cloud. Cratering explosions from Mount Lokon are not uncommon, with several eruptions occurring over the years. Despite the eruption, there were no immediate reports of casualties, as residents in the surrounding areas were evacuated as a precaution.

The 7th World Coral Reef Conference took place in Manado, North Sulawesi, Indonesia in June 2016, bringing together scientists, oceanographers, and policymakers to discuss the conservation of coral reefs. The conference addressed threats to coral reefs due to climate change and human activity. Discussions at the conference led to strategic plans for the preservation of coral biodiversity in the region, vital for sustaining marine ecosystems. Delegates also explored innovative methods to restore damaged reefs.

On April 15, 2018, an earthquake with a magnitude of 5.4 struck near Manado, North Sulawesi. The earthquake occurred at a depth of 10 km, according to the United States Geological Survey (USGS). Although the earthquake was felt strongly in Manado and the surrounding areas, there were no immediate reports of significant damage or casualties. Residents were advised to stay alert for potential aftershocks, but the city remained largely unscathed due to its robust preparedness measures.

The Festival Pesona Bunaken 2019 was held in Manado, North Sulawesi, from August 7 to 13, celebrating the ocean and marine biodiversity that the region is famous for. The festival featured various cultural and sports activities including traditional boat races, art performances, and a parade. It aimed to promote marine conservation and sustainable tourism, attracting visitors from across Indonesia and beyond. The festival also highlighted the unique cultural heritage of North Sulawesi's coastal communities.

The completion of the Manado Coastal Highway in January 2023 marked a significant development in North Sulawesi's infrastructure. This project was designed to enhance connectivity and stimulate economic growth in the region. Stretching along the coast, the new highway provides easier access to tourist destinations and improves the efficiency of transport logistics between Manado and nearby areas. It is expected to boost the local tourism industry while facilitating trade, showcasing the government's commitment to regional development.