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 of the Abadi Masela gas project in Tanimbar Islands Regency, Maluku, on Thursday, 16 July 2026.

Prabowo said this represented a debt he owed to the people of Maluku. He made the remarks while speaking online from the State Palace in Jakarta.

“Of course, this is a debt I owe to the people of Maluku and to those regencies,” said Prabowo.

The Head of State promised to repay that debt in the near future by visiting Maluku.

“God willing, I will repay that debt before long,” he said.

Prabowo said he had originally planned to attend the launch of the national strategic project (PSN) in person. However, he was unable to do so because of a packed schedule in Jakarta.

“I apologise; I had wanted to be there in person, but because there were various events I could not leave in the capital, I have had to attend via this video conference. Without diminishing my respect for you all,” he said.

A wait spanning nearly three decades has finally come to an end. The Abadi Masela gas project officially entered its 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 28 years of delays and six changes of president.

The groundbreaking of the project, with an investment value of US$20.9 billion, marks the start of construction on one of the largest gas projects in Indonesia, long held up by various dynamics, including debate over the project’s development concept.

“First of all, let us offer praise and thanks to Almighty God; today, precisely 16 July 2026, we mark a new chapter for the Abadi Masela project, which was initiated 28 years ago across six presidents. It is President Prabowo Subianto who has been able to execute it,” said Bahlil.

Bahlil explained that the Abadi Masela gas project had gone unrealised for many years because of an ongoing debate over the concept for building the production facility, namely whether it should be built at sea (offshore) or on land (onshore).