Indonesia to Begin Construction of US$20 Billion Abadi Masela Gas Project in 2027
Jakarta, The Gulf Observer: Indonesia will officially begin construction of the US$20 billion Abadi Masela gas field project in Maluku in 2027, Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM) Minister Bahlil Lahadalia announced, marking a significant step toward strengthening the country’s long-term energy security.
The Abadi Masela project, one of Indonesia’s most important National Strategic Projects (PSN), is expected to commence commercial production between 2029 and 2030. Speaking on Thursday, Minister Bahlil described the development as “one of the biggest giants in Indonesia.”
Operated by INPEX Corporation and its partners, the project is among the country’s largest natural gas developments. Its implementation had been delayed for years due to investment and regulatory challenges.
Bahlil said the government is actively resolving investment bottlenecks and accelerating preparatory work to ensure the project proceeds without further delays. He noted that key milestones, including the Front-End Engineering and Design (FEED) phase, have recorded encouraging progress.
“The Abadi Masela Block has been delayed for decades. Now that the necessary decisions and studies have been finalized, I have instructed INPEX to begin work immediately,” the minister said.
Momentum for the project increased following President Prabowo Subianto’s state visit to Japan in March 2026, during which he directed officials to accelerate investment in Indonesia’s green energy transition while expediting the development of the Abadi Masela Block.
Subsequently, Minister Bahlil held discussions with INPEX Corporation Chief Executive Officer Takayuki Ueda to establish an accelerated project timeline. Ueda reaffirmed the company’s commitment to fast-tracking the development of the Abadi Masela gas project, reinforcing confidence in one of Indonesia’s largest energy investments.
