Gov’t Pushes for Completion of Masela Block Project

President Jokowi delivers press statement after inspecting Olilit Market in South Tanimbar, Tanimbar Islands regency, Maluku province, Friday (09/02/2022). (Photo by: BPMI of Presidential Secretariat)

President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo, Friday (09/02), pushed for immediate completion of the development of Masela Block, an abundantly upstream oil and gas site.

“We continue to encourage the construction. Initially, Inpex and Shell were intended to join the project. However, oil price decreased at that time and one company withdrew from the project. The construction had then been postponed,” the President stated in Olilit Market, Tanimbar Islands regency, Maluku province.

He went on to say that the Government is striving to make new partner to resume the development of Masela Block.

According to the Head of State, Masela Block is expected to bring great impact to the economy in the regency. He expressed belief that liquefied natural gas (LNG) produced from the Block will contribute to the regional Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in Maluku province and Tanimbar Islands regency.

In the meantime, Coordinating Minister of Economic Affairs Airlangga Hartarto in his press statement in August confirmed that the Government considered the Indonesia Investment Authority (INA) to join the project.

“The President has the directives to seek new investors, including considering the INA to join the project,” Airlangga said. (TGH/UN) (RAS/HD)