Maluku, PPN Ministry/Bappenas plans industrial area for Masela Block

The Maluku Provincial Government and the National Development Planning (PPN) Ministry/National Development Planning Agency (Bappenas) is planning the development of an industrial area for the Masela oil and gas block.

"The development of an industrial area around the Masela Block is a strategic priority to drive economic growth in Maluku," said Maluku Governor Hendrik Lewerissa in a written statement received in Ambon City, Maluku by ANTARA on July 5, 2025.

The governor met with PPN Minister Rachmat Pambudy, ex-officio head of Bappenas, in Jakarta Special Capital Region (DKI) to encourage accelerated implementation of National Strategic Projects (PSNs), including the Masela Block. During that occasion, Lewerissa presented the development plan for an industrial area integrated with the Masela Block and the results of Maluku's previous coordination with the Housing and Settlement Areas Ministry and the Marine Affairs and Fisheries Ministry.

One of the main focuses currently being pursued by the Maluku Provincial Government is aligning central and regional development planning through the integration of the National Medium-Term Development Plan (RPJMN) and the Regional Medium-Term Development Plan (RPJMD) so the development of the Masela Block industrial area could receive full regulatory and financing support.

The Maluku Provincial Government is also preparing land and basic infrastructure to support the integrated industrial area, which will become a hub for the development of the downstream industry for natural gas (natgas), and other downstream industries.

Furthermore, Bappenas is pushing for accelerated permitting, land acquisition, and environmental document preparation to ensure the project's development process is free from administrative delays.

Support for the project is also being expanded through the involvement of the private sector and the Indonesian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Kadin) to open up investment opportunities in various related sectors such as liquefied natgas (LNG), petrochemicals, and logistics.