Energy Minister prioritises local workers for Masela Block project

Energy and Mineral Resources Minister Bahlil Lahadalia has emphasised that the Masela Block Abadi LNG National Strategic Project in the Tanimbar Islands Regency, Maluku, must prioritise local workers. Speaking after the groundbreaking ceremony for the project in Lermatang Village, Bahlil stated that local youth had already been sent to study at the state-owned Akamigas Petroleum Academy in Cepu to prepare them for employment. “Professional job opportunities must be taken first from tier one and tier two local areas. We must not let local children think that investment is coming in without prioritising them,” he said. The project, which has been planned since 1998 and delayed for nearly 28 years, is expected to absorb approximately 12,000 direct workers during the construction phase and between 800 to 1,000 workers during the operational phase. Bahlil noted that the government moved quickly to provide regulatory certainty so that construction could finally commence. He also instructed that at least 60 per cent of the gas production be allocated for domestic needs, supporting downstream industries such as fertiliser manufacturing, state electricity firm PLN, and other national industries. The Masela Block Abadi LNG project requires an investment of approximately US$20.95 billion. Once operational, it is targeted to produce 9.5 million tonnes of LNG per year, alongside 35,000 barrels of condensate per day, contributing to the national oil and gas lifting targets. Maluku Governor Hendrik Lewerissa affirmed that the provincial government fully supports the project, stating it would act as a lever for economic growth and open broad employment opportunities for the people of Maluku. He added that the local government would coordinate with the central government and project operators to ensure local communities gain access to jobs, training, and business empowerment.