Prabowo apologizes for missing Masela Block LNG project groundbreaking

President Prabowo Subianto expressed his apologies for being unable to attend the groundbreaking ceremony for the Abadi Masela liquefied natural gas (LNG) project in Tanimbar Islands, Maluku, in person. Citing existing agendas in Jakarta, Prabowo joined the event via video conference from the Merdeka Palace. He conveyed his regret to the people of Maluku, promising to visit the region soon to fulfill what he termed a "debt."

The Masela Block LNG project, a national strategic project, is being developed by INPEX Masela Ltd. in partnership with Pertamina and Petronas. With an investment of approximately $20.9 billion, the project aims to produce 9.5 million tons of LNG per year, supply 150 million standard cubic feet per day of gas to the domestic market, and produce around 35,000 barrels of condensate daily to support national energy needs.

Economic studies by LPEM FEB UI predict the project will contribute about $137.7 billion to the national GDP by 2055. It is also expected to boost state and regional revenue, generate approximately 12,000 direct jobs during the construction phase, and help reduce poverty and unemployment, particularly in Maluku province.

Notably, the Abadi Masela LNG project is the first in Indonesia to integrate carbon capture and storage (CCS) technology from its development phase. After nearly three decades since the contract signing in 1998, the project has now entered its construction phase. As of early July 2026, the front-end engineering design (FEED) has reached 79.56% completion, exceeding targets. Various strategic permits and facility design finalizations are proceeding on schedule for a final investment decision (FID) by the end of 2026.