Purpose
This paper aims to analyze the superior economic sector by looking at its contribution to the gross regional domestic product (GRDP) of East Kalimantan Province, the economic base, the multiplier effect and the strength of inter-sectoral linkages.
Design/methodology/approach
This study was designed through two research approaches, namely, quantitative and qualitative method. This is intended to complement the results of the phenomenon under study and to strengthen the analysis. Secondary data were analyzed by the level of contribution of the economic sectors to the GRDP, and the base sector was determined through the location quotient approach. The two methods of calculation helped to reveal the dominant economic sectors in East Kalimantan Province. The Input Output (IO) Table in 2016 was made up dated from the 2009 IO Table to be used as a basis for building Social Accounting Matrix data or known as the East Kalimantan Regional Socio-Economic Balance System (SEBS) (a matrix of 49 × 49 sectors) in 2017 by using the RAS method. To be consistent, these SEBS data are then aggregated so all commodities are combined into economic sectors used to determine the leading sector on the East Kalimantan Province SEBS in 2016 (a matrix of 41 × 41 sectors).
Findings
Based on the assessment by scoring of the criteria for determining the leading economic sectors in East Kalimantan, i.e. the contribution of the economic sector to GRDP, the economic base, the multiplier effect (income, production factor, and output) and the linkages between sectors, both backward and forward linkage, shows the ten leading sectors as follows: the trade; paper and printed goods; financial institutions and other financial services; fertilizer; chemical and other rubber products; hotel and restaurant; general government; fisheries; excavation; and mining without oil and gas.
Originality/value
Similar research has never been done before in East Kalimantan; this is one of the originalities of this present study. No previous study has comprehensively studied the mediating effects of tourist value perception on the determination of economic sector, especially in Kalimantan, Indonesia.