Bahlil: Masela Gas Project Construction to Begin in 2027

Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM) Bahlil Lahadalia has confirmed that the Abadi Masela gas project in Maluku, designated a National Strategic Project (PSN), is targeted to begin construction in 2027. Bahlil stated that the project is a key part of the government’s agenda to strengthen national energy security. After decades of delays, the large-scale gas project is now entering a new phase. “By 2029 to 2030, it can begin production, and it is one of the largest giants in Indonesia,” Bahlil said in Jakarta on Thursday. According to Bahlil, the government continues to push for the acceleration of the Abadi Masela Block development to prevent past investment obstacles from recurring. He noted that several crucial stages have shown positive progress, including the Front End Engineering and Design (FEED) process. “The Abadi Masela Block was delayed for decades, never completed. After a decision was finally made and studies were conducted, I told Inpex to proceed immediately. Now, thank God, it is moving forward. Construction will begin in 2027,” Bahlil said. Bahlil added that the Masela Block is one of Indonesia’s largest natural gas assets. The government is targeting the project, operated by Inpex Corporation and its partners, to begin production between 2029 and 2030. The acceleration of the Abadi Masela project is part of the government’s agenda to boost energy sector investment. During a state visit with President Prabowo Subianto to Japan in March 2026, Bahlil received directives to expedite 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 accelerating the development of the Masela Block. The project, valued at approximately US$20 billion or Rp339 trillion, is one of the largest energy projects being promoted by the government. During the meeting, Takayuki Ueda conveyed INPEX’s commitment to accelerating the completion of the Abadi Masela Project. The government has designated Abadi Masela as a strategic project because its gas potential is considered important for meeting long-term national energy needs. With construction targeted for 2027 and production for 2029-2030, the project is expected to become a key pillar of Indonesia’s natural gas supply. Bahlil stressed that the acceleration of the project must be maintained to prevent further delays. The government, he said, wants to ensure that the investment and technical stages proceed according to target.