Prabowo: Masela Block Project to Accelerate Eastern Indonesia's Progress

Jakarta (ANTARA) - President Prabowo Subianto believes the Abadi Masela LNG National Strategic Project (PSN) will become a driver of Indonesia’s progress, particularly in the Eastern Indonesia region, while also strengthening national energy independence.

At the virtual groundbreaking ceremony of the Abadi Masela LNG National Strategic Project from the Merdeka Palace in Jakarta on Thursday, President Prabowo said the project represents an important milestone for national development and improving public welfare.

“I am confident this project will become a driver of progress for Indonesia, particularly Eastern Indonesia,” President Prabowo said.

President Prabowo said the development of the Masela Block will strengthen national energy independence and marks an important milestone for the welfare of Indonesians.

Moreover, the start of construction signifies the realisation of a project the public has awaited for nearly three decades.

For that reason, President Prabowo asked all parties to ensure the construction process runs smoothly so that its benefits can reach the public as soon as possible.

“This Abadi Masela National Strategic Project is a truly very important project. We have waited almost three decades, three dasawarsa, for this project. Three decades, three dasawarsa the people have waited. Alhamdulillah, today we begin its construction,” he said.

President Prabowo said Indonesia possesses abundant energy resources, including large oil and gas reserves in the Tanimbar region of Maluku, which must be utilised to strengthen the foundations of national development.

The President added that developing the energy sector will provide greater fiscal space for the government to improve the quality of public services, from healthcare and education to infrastructure development.