Gov’t Launches US$20.9 Billion Abadi Masela LNG Project, Emphasizes Mutual Benefit and Welfare of the Indonesian People

President Prabowo Subianto Thursday (07/16) underscored that the Abadi Masela Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) National Strategic Project (PSN) is a milestone in strengthening national energy self-sufficiency and in accelerating Indonesia’s transformation into a modern industrial nation.

Via video conference from the Merdeka Palace in Jakarta, the President thanked all partners, including Japanese investors, during the project’s groundbreaking ceremony in the Tanimbar Islands regency, Maluku province.

The President also emphasized that the Government is committed to fostering mutually beneficial cooperation, while continuing to prioritize its responsibility to improve the welfare of the Indonesian people.

“Let’s launch this project for our mutual benefit. While it is an honor to host and entertain our guests, our foremost responsibility is to our people, many of whom still face hardships. As President, holding the mandate of the Indonesian people, I’d like to reiterate that this project must be carried out to the best of our ability based on the principle of mutual benefit,” he said.

The President also emphasized that the success of the project must benefit all parties, noting that investor profits must go hand in hand with national interests, particularly efforts to develop and improve people’s welfare.

In addition, the President pointed out that the project is valued at approximately US$20.9 billion and is projected to produce more than 9 million metric tons of gas, condensate, and other products. According to him, the project will serve as a key driver for the national downstreaming program, which requires a massive energy supply.

The Head of State also reiterated that the entire development process must deliver tangible benefits to the community. Therefore, the Government encourages the involvement of local talent and businesses, alongside support from SOEs, to ensure that the project’s economic gains are widely shared, particularly by local communities.

“The economy, development, transformation, downstreaming, and industrialization must soon bring prosperity to as many Indonesian people as possible. The economy must be for the people, not the people for the economy. All of this belongs to the people. Our responsibility is to ensure that the people benefit from it, so it is our commitment to prioritize local talent and support local entrepreneurs,” the President added.

Concluding his remarks, the President expressed optimism that the Abadi Masela LNG project will spur Indonesia’s progress, particularly in the eastern part of the country. He added that the project is expected to strengthen national energy security and improve the people’s welfare. (BPMI of Presidential Secretariat) (FI/EP)