Indonesia Accelerates Energy Transition, Masela Block Projects During President Prabowo’s Visit to Japan

Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM) Bahlil Lahadalia delivers a press statement in Tokyo, on Monday (03/30).

During his visit to Tokyo, Japan, President Prabowo Subianto advanced strategic investments in energy and downstreaming, including national energy transition and the Masela Block development.

Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM) Bahlil Lahadalia stated that President Prabowo issued directives to ensure the optimal progress for the two main agendas. “The President tasked me with two concerns in this Japan visit. First, ensuring investment acceleration in the energy transition. Second, on INPEX and the Masela Block [project],” the Minister said to the press in Tokyo on Monday (03/30).

The Minister explained that the Masela Block project has now reached a firm stage after decades of progress, with a base development value (DPOD) of approximately US$20 billion. Around US$1 billion for carbon capture and storage (CCS) is added to enhance its environmental sustainability.

“Following the President’s directives in 2025, we held intensive meetings, and thankfully, they have been completed. The total project value is US$20.9 billion, including an additional US$1 billion for CCS, leaving US$20 billion allocated for the DPOD. However, given current geopolitical developments, this amount is likely to increase. Thus, our total investment will reach approximately Rp300 trillion,” Bahlil said.

The Minister underscored that President Prabowo also gave directives for the accelerated implementation of the project, given its strategic role in strengthening national energy security. “If we can achieve this, our energy security in the oil and gas sector will be even stronger, and Indonesia will become one of the global gas players,” he said.

In addition to the Masela Block, the Government also strengthens its commitment to accelerating the transition to renewable energy. The Minister emphasized that Indonesia would optimize all its energy potential amid global uncertainty.

“We are indeed pushing to utilize all our potential energy sources other than fossil fuels. Why? Because we never know when this geopolitical situation will end. So, whether it is geothermal, hydro, solar, or wind, if the technology is available and cost-efficient, we will push for it,” he said.

According to him, this achievement was due to the strong coordination between ministries and institutions during the visit to Japan. “This is part of our efforts to achieve that, and all of this was certainly made possible by the Cabinet Secretary’s excellent coordination as ‘the class leader’ in coordinating these affairs in Japan,” he said. (BPMI of Presidential Secretariat) (FI/AW)