PRESIDENT Prabowo Subianto has challenged state-owned defense industry PT Pindad (Persero) to design a unique presidential vehicle featuring transparent glass. This innovative request aims to allow the public to clearly see him, whether seated or standing, inside the car during official engagements.
This distinctive directive was articulated by the Head of State during his address at the simultaneous inauguration of 1,061 Merah Putih Village Cooperatives (KDMP) in Nglawak Village, Kertosono District, Nganjuk Regency, East Java, on Saturday, May 16, 2026. The President emphasized his desire for a more direct connection with the people he serves.
During his speech, Prabowo specifically called upon PT Pindad’s President Director, Sigit Puji Santosa, to spearhead this new design. “Try to design a special car for the president with glass, where there’s a seat, but I can still be seen standing, you know,” Prabowo stated, as quoted from the YouTube channel of the Presidential Secretariat on that same Saturday.
His candid remarks were met with laughter from the attendees. Prabowo further elaborated on his reasoning: “(I want a car) that has a seat but allows me to be seen standing. Why not? I am already 75 years old. I feel for the people who wait for a long time, but I am full of spirit.” He expressed concern for citizens who often wait for extended periods during his regional visits, noting that he even experiences hand pain from shaking so many hands. “There are so many people out on the streets; it wouldn’t be right for the president to be hidden inside a vehicle. I’m compelled to stand,” he added, highlighting his dedication to public visibility.
Currently, President Prabowo utilizes the MV-3 Garuda Limousine, also manufactured by PT Pindad, as his official presidential car. Upon his inauguration on October 20 last year, Prabowo rode a white Maung during the procession from the DPR/MPR RI building to the Presidential Palace, a vehicle he frequently uses for state affairs.
Beyond his personal use, Prabowo has previously envisioned a broader implementation, proposing that officials ranging from ministers and deputy ministers to governors and mayors adopt the same vehicle model for their official duties, promoting a unified image.
The Maung Garuda itself is a product of the state-owned enterprise PT Pindad, headquartered in Cimahi, West Java. The company produced four units of the Maung Garuda Limousine, with two units designated for the President and two for the Vice President. The name “Maung” is significant, meaning “tiger” in Sundanese, reflecting its robust and agile nature.
The Maung car is fundamentally a modular 4×4 light tactical combat vehicle, optimized for close-range engagements. According to Pindad’s official website, the Maung 4×4 is engineered to support both close-combat operations and mobility across various terrains. It is powered by a 1.900cc six-speed turbocharged four-cylinder diesel engine. This robust powertrain allows the Maung to generate 136 horsepower and safely achieve speeds of up to 120 kilometers per hour, ensuring both power and reliability for its critical functions.
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Summary
President Prabowo Subianto has requested state-owned defense company PT Pindad to design a specialized presidential vehicle featuring transparent glass. This innovation is intended to make him clearly visible to the public, whether sitting or standing, during his official visits across the country. The President expressed that he wants a more direct connection with the citizens who often wait for long periods to see him.
The President currently uses the MV-3 Garuda Limousine, a robust 4×4 tactical vehicle produced by PT Pindad with a 1.9-liter turbocharged engine. Beyond his own use, he has proposed that ministers and local officials also adopt similar domestically-produced vehicles for their official duties. This initiative aims to establish a unified image for government officials while supporting Indonesia’s local defense industry.