BANDUNG, SEATIZENS – In a landmark policy shift aimed at supporting the national automotive industry, President Prabowo Subianto has ordered all Indonesian ministers and senior officials to transition to using domestically manufactured vehicles for official duties. Beginning next week, high-ranking officials will retire their imported Toyota Alphard cars in favor of Maung vehicles, produced by the Indonesian defense company PT Pindad.
Deputy Minister of Finance III, Anggito Abimanyu, announced the change during a speech at Gadjah Mada University’s Vocational School Anniversary on October 28, 2024. “Next week, I’ll be driving a Maung from Pindad. President Prabowo has made it clear—no more imported cars for ministers or echelon 1 officials,” Abimanyu said, commending the directive as a bold step toward greater national self-reliance.
While ministers and deputy ministers are still permitted to use their Alphard vehicles temporarily, the switch to locally produced models will be mandatory by next month. Prabowo’s directive is part of a broader goal to stimulate Indonesia’s automotive industry by focusing on local development, from concept design to full-scale production.
PT Pindad’s Maung: A Boost for Domestic Production
PT Pindad’s Maung vehicles feature a 70% domestic component ratio, reflecting significant involvement from the local industry. Though the exact model of the Maung vehicle designated for ministers has not yet been disclosed, Abimanyu emphasized that all vehicles allocated to Cabinet members will be Indonesian-made.
President Director of PT Pindad, Abraham Mose, confirmed the company’s readiness to meet the demand for the new ministerial vehicles in accordance with President Prabowo’s policy. “We are prepared to deliver, and support facilities and infrastructure are being arranged. Pindad has made strong strides in production, and the results are ready and in use,” Mose stated from Jakarta.
The MV3 Garuda Limousine: Setting the Presidential Standard
President Prabowo has led by example, opting for a custom Pindad Maung MV3 Garuda Limousine as his official vehicle. This specially developed model will also serve Vice President Gibran Rakabuming Raka and reflects the President’s commitment to national production standards. The MV3 Garuda Limousine, the latest model in Pindad’s MV3 line, was crafted specifically to meet the needs of Indonesia’s top leaders and fulfills the vision set by President Prabowo to prioritize Indonesian-made vehicles.
By committing to this mandate, Prabowo hopes to elevate Indonesia’s domestic automotive sector and reinforce national pride in local products, setting a strong example of self-reliance across Indonesia’s public sector.
(Mars)
