Prabowo Apologises for Missing Abadi Masela LNG Groundbreaking, Promises to Visit Maluku

President Prabowo Subianto has apologised for not attending the Abadi Masela liquefied natural gas (LNG) project in the Tanimbar Islands, Maluku, in person. Prabowo went on to say that he is in debt to the people of Maluku.

He made the remarks at the opening of his speech during the inauguration of the Abadi Masela LNG project, broadcast on the Presidential Secretariat’s YouTube channel on Thursday (16 July 2026). Prabowo said the inauguration represents a historic moment for investment development.

“As people of faith, let us never cease offering praise and gratitude to Almighty God, the Great God who possesses all the universe, for all the blessings, goodness and peace still bestowed upon us, as well as the breath and health still granted to us, so that we may gather today at a historic moment, a moment of great importance in the journey of our nation’s development, namely the groundbreaking of the Abadi Masela LNG national strategic project in Tanimbar Islands Regency, Maluku Province,” said Prabowo.

Prabowo then apologised for his absence in person. He explained that he could not attend the groundbreaking directly because of an engagement in Jakarta that could not be left.

“I apologise; I originally wanted to attend in person. However, because there were various events at the centre that I could not leave, I have had to attend via this video conference, without diminishing my respect for all of you,” he said.

Prabowo said he felt indebted to the people of Maluku. He promised to repay that debt by visiting Maluku at another time.

“Certainly, this is a debt I owe to the people of Maluku and those regencies. God willing, I will repay that debt before long,” he said.