Weekly Political Roundup: Masela Project Groundbreaking and Asset Forfeiture Bill Progress

President Prabowo Subianto officiated the groundbreaking of the Abadi Masela Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) National Strategic Project, describing it as a crucial development that has been anticipated for nearly three decades. Speaking virtually from the Merdeka Palace in Jakarta, Prabowo expressed gratitude that construction on the long-awaited project has finally commenced.

In other news, the Indonesian Navy is preparing its Lampung Naval Base to serve as a berthing location for the country’s first aircraft carrier, the Giuseppe Garibaldi. Head of the Navy Information Service, Admiral Tunggul, confirmed the base is being readied to accommodate the vessel.

President Prabowo Subianto also paid his respects following the passing of Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, the father of the Emir of Qatar, by signing a condolence book at the Qatari Embassy in Jakarta. Writing on behalf of the Indonesian people and government, he offered his deepest sympathies.

Separately, the President’s Special Envoy for Energy and Climate, Hashim Djojohadikusumo, issued a clarification regarding reports linking him to an individual accused of fraud and posing as a CIA agent named Gaurav Srivastava. A spokesperson for Hashim stated the clarification was necessary to provide a complete and accurate picture of the events.

Finally, the House of Representatives (DPR) has affirmed that deliberations on the Asset Forfeiture Bill are still in progress, dispelling social media rumours suggesting the parliament had rejected the legislation. Commission III Chairman Habiburokhman labelled the circulating information as a hoax.