Ambon, Maluku, July 17 -- Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM) Minister Bahlil Lahadalia has emphasized that the operators of the Abadi Masela Block LNG project in the Tanimbar Islands, Maluku, will prioritize the hiring of local workers.

"Several young locals have been sent to study at the ESDM Ministry's oil and gas academy in Cepu. We will hire all of them to work on the Masela Block project before recruiting workers from outside the region," Lahadalia stated.

According to an official statement released on Friday, the mega-project is expected to employ approximately 12 thousand workers during its construction phase, and between 800 and 1,000 workers once it becomes operational.

The minister said that the hiring for professional roles...