Kendari is the capital city of the Indonesian province of Southeast Sulawesi. Located on Kendari Bay, it serves as a primary trade center for the region, housing both the province's main port and airport. The city functions as the economic and educational hub of Southeast Sulawesi, hosting various colleges and universities.
The city covers an area of 270.14 square kilometers, representing approximately 0.7 percent of the province's land area. As of mid-2025, Kendari has an estimated population of 375,829, making it the most populous city in Southeast Sulawesi and the fourth most populous on the island of Sulawesi. It currently holds the highest Human Development Index (HDI) in Sulawesi.