Masela Block Groundbreaking Hailed as Proof of Prabowo-Bahlil Execution Power

The groundbreaking of the Masela Block Abadi Field National Strategic Project (PSN) is being hailed as proof of President Prabowo Subianto’s administration’s ability to complete long-delayed strategic projects. Abdul Rahman Farisi (ARF), Secretary for Economic Policy of the Golkar Party, stated that the commencement of the Masela Block development after a 28-year wait demonstrates strong synergy between President Prabowo and Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources Bahlil Lahadalia in accelerating the realisation of energy sector investments. ARF noted that the government successfully overcame various obstacles that had previously stalled the project, citing four key supporting factors. The first is regulatory and institutional certainty, which provides a legal foundation for investors in the project valued at more than Rp355 trillion. The second factor is solution-oriented leadership and inter-ministerial coordination, which effectively cut through bureaucratic red tape. Third, technocratic capability enabled planning based on scientific studies, ensuring the LNG plant development is technically robust and sustainable amid the energy transition. The fourth factor is the government’s rapid response to on-the-ground dynamics, including social, economic, and logistical issues in the Saumlaki area and the broader Maluku region. ARF emphasised that under President Prabowo’s direction, Minister Bahlil managed to resolve the Masela Block deadlock, which had persisted through six presidencies and ten energy ministers. The Abadi Field, with reserves of 6.97 trillion cubic feet of gas, is expected to become a new economic growth engine for eastern Indonesia, particularly Maluku. The project is projected to absorb up to 10,000 workers during construction, with a focus on prioritising local employment to ensure the community directly benefits.