Prabowo Apologises for Missing Masela Gas Project Groundbreaking: 'This Is My Debt'

President Prabowo Subianto has apologised for being unable to attend in person the groundbreaking ceremony for the Abadi Masela Block gas project in the Tanimbar Islands Regency, Maluku, on Thursday, 16 July 2026. Prabowo stated that this was a debt he owed to the people of Maluku, speaking during an online address from the State Palace in Jakarta. ‘Of course, this is a debt I owe to the people of Maluku and the regencies there,’ said Prabowo. The Head of State promised to repay this debt in the near future by visiting Maluku. ‘God willing, I will repay that debt in the not-too-distant future,’ he said. Prabowo explained that he had originally planned to attend the inauguration of the national strategic project in person but was unable to do so due to a packed schedule in Jakarta. ‘I apologise; I had wanted to attend in person, but because of various events at the centre that I could not leave, I was forced to attend via this video conference. This does not diminish my respect for all of you,’ he said. The nearly three-decade-long wait has finally ended. The Abadi Masela Gas Project officially entered the groundbreaking phase on Thursday, 16 July 2026. Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources Bahlil Lahadalia expressed gratitude that the national strategic project could finally be executed after being delayed for 28 years and spanning six presidential administrations. The groundbreaking of the project, with an investment value reaching US$20.9 billion, marks the start of construction of one of Indonesia’s largest gas projects, which had been held up by various dynamics, including debate over the development concept. ‘First of all, let us give thanks to God Almighty, on this day, 16 July 2026, we mark a new chapter. The Abadi Masela project, which was launched 28 years ago and spanned six presidents, is finally being executed under President Prabowo Subianto,’ said Bahlil. Bahlil explained that the Masela gas project had not been realised for years due to ongoing debate over the construction concept for the production facilities, specifically whether they should be built offshore or onshore.