Tanimbar Islands Regency Government Ensures Environmental Feasibility of Masela Block Development

The Tanimbar Islands Regency (KKT) government in Maluku has ensured that environmental protection and the aspirations of coastal communities are a crucial part of the development process for the Masela Block Abadi Gas Field National Strategic Project through an environmental feasibility test of the project documents. Deputy Regent of the Tanimbar Islands, Juliana Ch. Ratuanak, stated in Ambon on Saturday that the local government is committed to overseeing the document assessment process so that the Masela Block development can proceed in tandem with efforts to preserve the ecosystem and the living space of the community. “The voices of coastal communities, especially fishermen and directly affected residents, must be an important part of the decision-making process. We want to ensure that the Masela Block development provides economic benefits without neglecting environmental protection,” she said. The statement was made during a Central Environmental Feasibility Test Team meeting held virtually to discuss the Addendum to the Environmental Impact Analysis (Andal) and the Environmental Management and Monitoring Plans (RKL-RPL) Type A for the project. The meeting, facilitated by INPEX Masela Ltd, involved various stakeholders, including fishermen, village heads, and non-governmental organisations focused on environmental issues, to provide their views and input on the project’s environmental documents. Ratuanak explained that all input from the community would be considered in the evaluation process to ensure the project’s implementation complies with environmental protection regulations. The KKT government will continue to oversee the implementation of the Masela Block National Strategic Project so that it contributes to regional economic growth while maintaining environmental sustainability and the living space of the community in the Duan Lolat region. The Masela Block is an Abadi Gas Field development project located in the Aru Basin, Arafura Sea, approximately 150 kilometres from Saumlaki, Tanimbar Islands Regency. The project, valued at approximately $20.94 billion, has proven gas reserves of around 7.7 trillion cubic feet (TCF).