Prabowo scheduled to launch Rp 357 trillion Masela gas project
The project in Kepulauan Tanimbar is targeted to start in Q4 2029 and produce 9.5 million tons of LNG a year.
President Prabowo Subianto is scheduled to lead the groundbreaking for the giant Blok Masela gas project on Thursday, 16 July 2026, in Desa Lermatang, Kabupaten Kepulauan Tanimbar, Maluku. The national strategic project in the Arafura Sea is estimated to be worth 19.8 billion dollar AS, or about Rp 357,84 triliun. It is still awaiting a final decision on whether the President will attend in person or join virtually.
Blok Masela, known as Lapangan Abadi, is targeted to start operations in Q4 2029. Its output is expected to reach 1.600 MMSCFD of gas, equal to 9,5 juta ton LNG per year, plus 150 MMSCFD of pipeline gas and about 35 ribu barrels of condensate per day. Inpex Masela holds 65 percent of the participating interest, while the former 35 percent stake held by Shell has been acquired by Pertamina Hulu Energi and Petronas. Ahead of the event, authorities and organizers are preparing sea patrols, emergency routes and logistics of around 93 ton.