Prabowo Impressed by Inpex CEO's Indonesian Language Skills: 'Not Many Are Willing to Learn'

President Prabowo Subianto has expressed his appreciation for Inpex Corporation CEO Takayuki Ueda, who incorporated Indonesian into his speech at the groundbreaking ceremony for the Abadi Masela LNG project in the Tanimbar Islands, Maluku. He remarked that not many foreign company executives are willing to learn the language.

“I would also like to extend my special thanks and appreciation to the CEO of Inpex Masela, Mr Takayuki Ueda. I am impressed that you can speak Indonesian. Thank you to Inpex for appointing someone like Takayuki Ueda. I see that not many CEOs of foreign companies are willing to learn Indonesian. Thank you, Takayuki Ueda,” said Prabowo, as seen on the Presidential Secretariat’s YouTube channel on Thursday (16/7/2026).

Prabowo is optimistic that the project will succeed and benefit both countries. For Indonesia, the project serves as a catalyst for progress, particularly in the eastern region, and promotes energy independence.

“I once again express my thanks and appreciation to all of you, to the people of Tanimbar, the people of Maluku. I apologise for not being able to attend in person, but I have visited the southwestern islands twice, to Moa Island. And I hope that Moa Island now has a decent supply of clean water for its people,” he stated.

Inpex Corporation CEO Takayuki Ueda delivered his opening remarks in Indonesian, greeting the attendees, including President Prabowo Subianto and Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources Bahlil Lahadalia. He concluded his speech by reciting a traditional pantun, calling for unity in building energy for the nation.