Prabowo Virtually Attends Masela Block Groundbreaking
President Prabowo Subianto attended the groundbreaking ceremony of the Abadi Masela Field, or Masela Block, virtually from the Merdeka Palace in Jakarta on Thursday, 16 July 2026. The Abadi Masela liquefied natural gas (LNG) project is a National Strategic Project (PSN) located in Tanimbar Islands Regency, Maluku.
“I apologise; I had intended to attend in person, but due to various engagements I could not leave in the capital, I have had to attend via this video conference, without diminishing my respect for you all,” Prabowo said from the Presidential Palace complex in Jakarta on Thursday.
Minister of State Secretary Prasetyo Hadi said the groundbreaking marks the start of one of the largest energy investments in Indonesian history. “At the same time, it is an important milestone in strengthening national energy resilience and promoting equitable development across eastern Indonesia,” Prasetyo said in a statement on Thursday.
The Abadi Masela LNG project is being developed by INPEX Masela Ltd. together with Pertamina and Petronas, with an investment value of approximately US$20.9 billion. The project is designed to produce 9.5 million tonnes of LNG per year (MTPA), deliver 150 million standard cubic feet per day (MMSCFD) of domestic piped gas, and yield around 35,000 barrels per day of condensate to support national energy needs.
A study by the Institute for Economic and Social Research at the Faculty of Economics and Business of the University of Indonesia (LPEM FEB UI) estimates the project will contribute around US$137.7 billion to national gross domestic product (GDP) by 2055.
In addition, the project is predicted to increase state and regional revenues, create around 12,000 direct jobs during the construction phase, and help reduce poverty and unemployment rates, particularly in Maluku Province.
Abadi Masela LNG is also the first LNG project in Indonesia to integrate carbon capture and storage (CCS) technology from the development stage.
“After a development process spanning nearly three decades since the contract was signed in 1998, the project has finally entered the construction phase,” Prasetyo said.
As of early July 2026, front end engineering design (FEED) progress had reached 79.56 per cent, exceeding the planned target. Meanwhile, various strategic permits and the completion of major facility designs are proceeding on schedule towards the final investment decision (FID) at the end of 2026.