Bahlil Accelerates Masela Block Project, Construction to Begin in 2027

Jakarta - Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM) Minister Bahlil Lahadalia has confirmed that the giant Abadi Masela gas field project in Maluku will soon enter a new chapter after decades of delays. The project, which holds the status of a National Strategic Project (PSN), is targeted to begin the construction phase in 2027. Bahlil stated that the government continues to push for the acceleration of the project so that past investment obstacles are not repeated. According to him, a number of crucial stages have shown positive developments, including the Front End Engineering and Design (FEED) process. “The Abadi Masela Block has been delayed for decades, never getting finished. After a decision was finally made and studies were completed, I told Inpex to proceed immediately. Now, thank God, it is moving forward. Construction in 2027,” Bahlil said. He added that the Masela Block is one of Indonesia’s largest natural gas assets. The government is targeting the project, operated by Inpex Corporation alongside its partners, to begin production in the 2029-2030 period to strengthen national energy security. “From 2029 to 2030, it can already be producing, and it is one of the largest giants in Indonesia,” he added. Previously, during a state visit with President Prabowo Subianto to Japan in March 2026, Bahlil received directives to accelerate two main agendas: energy transition investment and the completion of the strategic Masela Block project. Following up on these directives, Bahlil invited INPEX Corporation CEO Takayuki Ueda to discuss the acceleration of the Masela Block development. The project, valued at approximately US$20 billion or equivalent to Rp339 trillion, is one of the largest energy projects being pushed by the government. During the meeting, Takayuki Ueda conveyed INPEX’s commitment to accelerating the completion of the Abadi Masela Project.