President Prabowo to Lead Groundbreaking of Masela Block Gas Field

Jakarta (ANTARA) - President Prabowo Subianto is scheduled to officiate the groundbreaking of the giant natural gas (LNG) field, a national strategic project (PSN) in the Abadi field of the Masela Block, Arafura Sea, Maluku Province, on Thursday.

Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources Bahlil Lahadalia, responding to journalists’ questions at the Presidential Palace in Jakarta on Wednesday, explained that the groundbreaking ceremony for the Masela Block would be led by President Prabowo.

“Yes, tomorrow (the Masela Block groundbreaking, ed.). We shall see (regarding the President’s attendance, ed.), but God willing, the President will officiate the groundbreaking of the Masela Block,” said Bahlil.

“That will be decided by the President himself,” Bahlil said.

A number of preparations have been made a day ahead of the Masela Block groundbreaking ceremony in Maluku. The ceremony is scheduled to take place in Lermatang village, Tanimbar Islands Regency, Maluku.

The Indonesian Navy’s Main Naval Base (Kodaeral) IX, which guards the Arafura Sea waters in Maluku, conducted maritime patrols in the waters around Saumlaki city, Tanimbar Islands Regency, Maluku, on Wednesday.

The maritime patrol was led directly by the Commander of Kodaeral IX, Rear Admiral TNI Hanarko Djodi Pamungkas.

Subsequently, Rear Admiral Hanarko, together with the Commander of XV/Pattimura Military Regional Command Major General TNI Dody Triwinarto, also took part in a rehearsal of the groundbreaking ceremony at the Multipurpose Hall of Yonif 734/SNS KKT.

At a separate location, the Patrol Unit Commander of Kodaeral IX, Marine Colonel (P) Irwin Kurniady, also led a VVIP security roll call at the parade ground of the Saumlaki Naval Base.

Afterwards, the Commander of Kodaeral IX, together with the Governor of Maluku Hendrik Lewerissa, inspected the readiness of the groundbreaking venue in Lermatang village.

“Physically, the progress of the supporting infrastructure and all ceremonial requirements has reached 90 per cent. There are still around 24 hours to complete the remaining minor works, so that by the time of the event, all preparations can be 100 per cent finished,” said the Governor of Maluku, as quoted from an official statement by the Kodaeral IX Information Office.

“We hope the entire series of events runs smoothly. This momentum is an important step for the future of development and economic growth in the region,” he said.