PALU

Palu is the capital city of Central Sulawesi Province in Indonesia. It lies on the western coast of Sulawesi, at the mouth of the Palu River on Palu Bay. As the provincial capital, Palu functions as the region’s administrative, economic, and cultural center, with a diverse population and a landscape that blends urban development with coastal and riverine environments.

Economy and infrastructure: Palu serves as a regional hub for trade, fishing, agriculture, and government services. The city is served by Haluoleo International Airport and by roads connecting to other parts of Sulawesi; Palu Bay and the Palu River support fishing and riverine activity. The port is relatively small but historically important for local commerce.

Disaster history: Palu was severely affected by the 28 September 2018 Central Sulawesi earthquake, which triggered a tsunami and ground liquefaction in parts of the city. The disaster caused widespread damage, significant casualties, and displacement, prompting extensive national and international relief, reconstruction, and mitigation efforts aimed at resilience and urban planning.

Etymology and other uses: In Indonesian, palu means hammer or mallet, a common tool in carpentry and construction. As a proper noun, Palu refers to the city, its river and bay, and to various geographic names in Indonesia. The word can also appear in surnames and other contexts.