We continue to push the (development of) Masela Block. At first, it was actually going to work, (both) INPEX and Shell, but then the gas prices were low, so one entity withdrewSaumlaki, Maluku (ANTARA) - President Joko Widodo highlighted the government's commitment to pursuing the activation of the Masela Block national strategic project in the Tanimbar Islands District, Maluku.
"We continue to push the (development of) Masela Block. At first, it was actually going to work, (both) INPEX and Shell, but then the gas prices were low, so one entity withdrew," the president remarked during a visit to the Ngrimase Olilit Market, here, on Friday.
First Lady Iriana Cabinet Secretary Pramono Anung Investment Minister Bahlil Lahadalia, and Maluku Governor Murad Ismail accompanied the president during the visit.
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According to the President, Shell's withdrawal caused delay in the Masela Block project, so the government was adopting several measures to ensure and push for continuity in the progress of this giant project.
"The work has also been delayed, and we continue to encourage new partners to begin the Masela Block work immediately," he remarked.
President Jokowi said that once the time to start operation of the block had come, the Masela Block was believed to bring significant benefits to the people of Tanimbar Islands District.
Such beneficial effects would be seen in future, with the gross regional domestic product (GRDP) or the total gross value added arising from all economic sectors of that region due to the Masela Block's operation.
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"The area that will derive huge profits later once it operates is the Tanimbar Islands District in Saumlaki. It will be very good for the circulation of money in the region, for GRDP in the Tanimbar Islands District and also in Maluku Province," he remarked.
Although he did not furnish details on when the Masela Block's operation would kick off, President Jokowi ensured that he would continue to push for this giant project to start as soon as possible.
Shell Upstream Overseas Services Limited, which was a subsidiary of Royal Dutch Shell, backed out as the operator of the project, and since then, there had been no replacement investor for the Masela Block project. In fact, this project was originally targeted to become operational in 2027.
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Translator: Jimmy Ayal, Mecca Yumna
Editor: Fardah Assegaf
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