Prabowo kicks off construction of Abadi Masela LNG project

Jakarta (ANTARA) - President Prabowo Subianto virtually broke ground for the Abadi Masela Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) project from Jakarta, marking the start of construction on one of Indonesia's largest energy initiatives.

He launched the project through an online ceremony at the Merdeka Palace on Thursday, accompanied by State Secretary Prasetyo Hadi, Foreign Minister Sugiono, Energy and Mineral Resources Deputy Minister Yuliot Tanjung, and Cabinet Secretary Teddy Indra Wijaya.

A simultaneous groundbreaking ceremony took place at the LNG site in Tanimbar Islands District, Maluku. Energy and Mineral Resources Minister Bahlil Lahadalia, National Development Planning Minister Rachmat Pambudy, and Agrarian Affairs and Spatial Planning Minister Nusron Wahid were in attendance.

The on-site inauguration began with the rendition of the national anthem, "Indonesia Raya," followed by a prayer led by the chair of the Tanimbar office of the Indonesian Ulema Council (MUI).

Energy Minister Lahadalia then delivered a report after a presentation on the project's progress by the CEO of INPEX, the chief operating stakeholder of the Masela Gas Block.

Meanwhile, President Prabowo expressed regret over not being able to officiate the project in person.

"I would like to apologize. I was intent on attending in person, but I had to resort to this video conference on account of matters demanding my attention in Jakarta," he said, while reaffirming his high regard for the project.

Indonesia's state-run energy company Pertamina is developing the Abadi Masela LNG project in collaboration with Japan's INPEX and Malaysia's Petronas, supported by US$20.9 billion worth of investment.

The project is designed to produce 9.5 million metric tons of LNG annually, supply 150 million standard cubic feet of pipeline gas per day to the domestic market, and produce approximately 35,000 barrels of condensate per day.

The government noted that the project has progressed since the signing of its contract in 1998 and has now entered the construction stage.

As of early July 2026, the project's front-end engineering design had reached 79.56 percent, exceeding its planned target. Strategic licensing processes and completion of key facility designs remain on schedule ahead of the final investment decision, targeted by year-end.

The government envisions Abadi Masela emerging as a major energy industry hub in eastern Indonesia, stimulating supporting industries, empowering micro, small, and medium enterprises, and creating jobs for local communities.

Beyond its role in strengthening energy security, the project is Indonesia's first of its kind to integrate carbon capture and storage technology from the development stage to support the national energy transition agenda.

Related news: Masela LNG project valued at US$21 billion investment: ESDM Minister

Related news: Indonesia launches US$20.9 billion Abadi Masela LNG Project

Translator: A. Ramadhan, Tegar Nurfitra

Editor: Arie Novarina

Copyright © ANTARA 2026