Indonesia's energy minister jokes about England's loss during LNG project inauguration

Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources Bahlil Lahadalia jestingly remarked that Agrarian Minister Nusron Wahid, wearing black sunglasses, was sad because England had been beaten by Argentina in the World Cup semi‑final. The comment was made at the inauguration of the Abadi Masela liquefied natural gas (LNG) project in Kepulauan Tanimbar, Maluku, on 16 July 2026. President Prabowo Subianto participated virtually and Bahlil thanked him, noting the prominent display of the president’s portrait from the airport to the ceremony venue.

The event highlighted the government's promotion of the strategic LNG facility while showcasing a light‑hearted interaction among senior cabinet members.