Indonesia has officially commenced construction on the Abadi Masela gas field, a major liquefied natural gas (LNG) project valued at approximately Rp355 trillion ($23 billion).
President Prabowo Subianto officiated the groundbreaking ceremony in Maluku, signaling the transition from planning to physical development for one of Southeast Asia's most significant energy assets.
The project is operated by a consortium comprising Japan's Inpex, state-owned Pertamina, and Malaysia's Petronas.
The start of construction removes a key execution risk that has long hung over the development, which has faced delays and political scrutiny in recent years.
For global LNG markets, the milestone reinforces Indonesia's commitment to expanding its export capacity, potentially adding meaningful supply to a market that has seen tightness in recent quarters.
Handelsavisen notes that the project's advancement is a positive signal for regional energy security and LNG supply dynamics.