Polewali Mandar Regency

Polewali Mandar is one of the five regencies in West Sulawesi province of Indonesia. It borders on the regencies of Mamasa in the North, Majene in the West and Pinrang regency of South Sulawesi in the East. It covers an area of 2,074.76 km² and had a population of 396,120 at the 2010 Census and 478,534 at the 2020 Census; the official estimate as at mid 2022 was 490,493 (comprising 244,032 males and 246,461 females). The regency is inhabited by various ethnic groups such as the Mandar, Buginese, Javanese and Toraja.

Mandar is an indigenous ethnic group forming the majority of the population. There are several national public figures originated from this region. The most famous one is the legendary Attorney General Baharuddin Lopa. The current provincial governor, Ali Baal Masdar, is the former regent of the region.

The capital town is Polewali, located near the sea-side area, in the bank of Mandar Gulf and about 200 km (120 mi) away from the capital city of West Sulawesi, Mamuju or 250 km (160 mi) away from Makassar, the capital city of South Sulawesi.

This regency is considered quite fertile with large enough paddy farm as well as plantation for chocolate and coconut plants. The regency covers both coast-line and mountain areas.

Polewali Mandar is also known as the origin of prau sandeq, a boat propelled especially by sails or paddles.