Indonesia expects the Abadi Masela Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) project to generate around $37.8 billion in direct state revenue, Energy and Mineral Resources Minister Bahlil Lahadalia said.

Speaking at the project’s groundbreaking ceremony in Maluku’s Tanimbar Islands Regency, Lahadalia said the National Strategic Project would deliver major economic and fiscal benefits, including additional tax revenue estimated at $6.43 billion.

"The Abadi Masela Project is projected to deliver significant economic and fiscal benefits, including increasing state revenue with estimated direct government income of around $37.8 billion," he said, as quoted by Indonesian news agency (ANTARA).

The project is also expected to support employment, creating around 12,000 direct jobs during construction and 800 to 1,000 positions once operations begin.