Prabowo Encourages Use of Pindad Maung as Official Vehicle for Ministers

Jakarta, VIVA – President Prabowo Subianto has instructed all ministers and echelon 1 officials to use the Maung SUV made by state-owned weapons manufacturer Pindad as official vehicles, according to Deputy Minister of Finance, Anggito Abimanyu.

"Next week, I will use the Maung car, the Pindad-made car," he stated during an event to mark the 15th anniversary of Gadjah Mada University in Yogyakarta on Monday (Oct 29).

President Prabowo wants to end the use of imported cars as government vehicles during his term, he added.

"Prabowo has said that next week, there will be no more imported goods for echelon 1 cars and ministers. It is extraordinary (policy)," he informed.

Designed by Sigit Puji Santosa, a professor of mechanical engineering from Bandung Institute of Technology (ITB), the Maung SUV has 70 percent domestic components.

President Director of Pindad Abraham Mose has expressed his readiness to produce the SUV for official use, as instructed by Prabowo.

"We must be capable as the facilities and supporting infrastructure will definitely be prepared. In principle, Pindad has started (producing) and the products are there, ready for use," he said, referring to MV3 Garuda Limousine, which was used by Prabowo after his swearing-in ceremony on October 20, 2024.

However, he did not disclose how many cars will be prepared for the use of Prabowo's ministers and officials.

The Maung is a light tactical 4x4 SUV that is intended to support close combat operations and navigate difficult terrains.

Based on the official Pindad website, Maung is designed for agile and reliable maneuverability to support the mobility of its users in various operational fields.

The SUV has a safe speed of 120 kilometers per hour, 6-speed manual transmission, and range of up to 800 km.

Maung can be fitted with a 7.62-mm weapon bracket, SS2 V4 weapon console, GPS navigation device, vehicle tracker, and other equipment.

The four-passenger car weighs 2,160 kilograms and can be modified for various purposes.