RRI.CO.ID, Saumlaki - CEO of a Japanese energy company INPEX Corporation, Takayuki Ueda, welcomed the groundbreaking of the Abadi Masela Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) project in the Tanimbar Islands Regency, Maluku, on Thursday, July 16, 2026. He said the project is one of the largest gas development projects in Indonesia.

"The Abadi energy project is one of the largest gas development projects in Indonesia, with a production capacity of 9.5 million tons of (LNG) energy per year. The project will serve as a foundation for long-term economic growth, creating sustainable benefits for communities and future generations," he said in his remarks, as quoted from the Indonesian Presidential Secretariat.

Ueda said the project is an "extremely important" project that contributes to energy security in Japan and across the Indo-Pacific region. Thus, he said many people are talking about the project, which has been in stall for almost 30 years since its contract signing in 1998.

"For many years, people in Jakarta talked about Abadi (project). People in Tokyo also talked about Abadi. Investors also talked about Abadi; contractors talked about Abadi. Today, it comes back to where it truly begins, here in Saumlaki," he said, referring to the capital of the Tanimbar Islands Regency.

Ueda mentioned a joint research project by Universitas Indonesia and Universitas Pattimura in 2025, highlighting the project's impact on Indonesia. The research found that the project could contribute US$137.7 billion to Indonesia's economy and create 12,000 new jobs.

"However, for us, the success of this project is not measured solely by these figures but by the extent to which it benefits and is felt... by communities, particularly those living around the project area," Ueda said.

"Therefore, we are committed to developing the Abadi energy project reasonably, respecting local cultures and wisdom, and ensuring tangible and sustainable benefit for local communities," he assured.

INPEX is the largest shareholder of a consortium that builds and operates the Abadi Masela LNG project. Indonesian state-owned energy company Pertamina and Malaysian counterpart Petronas hold a minority stake.

The project, with an investment value of US$20.9 billion, is expected to produce up to 9.5 million tons of LNG annually. At least 60 percent of the output is allocated for domestic use, and up to 40 percent will be exported.