city, capital of Sulawesi Tengah (Central Celebes) provinsi (province), west-central Celebes, Indonesia. It is located at the mouth of a small estuary on the Makassar Strait and is surrounded by hills. Palu is connected by road with Toboli and Tomini on the eastern coast of the province and with Donggala, Mapida, and Mapaga on the western coast. The population consists mainly of Buginese and Makasarese; Islam is the dominant religion, although there are a few Christians. The majority of Palu's inhabitants are seafarers and traders. Much of the trade is by small craft and is localized along the western coast. Household industries include wood carving, sawmilling, plaiting, and basket and mat making. Small factories process food, and boats are built and repaired. Deep-sea fishing is also economically important. Copra and timber are exported. Pop. (2000) 263,826.