President Prabowo Subianto recently outlined his administration’s achievements over the past year, alongside ambitious plans for the future. A significant highlight from his presentation included the establishment of a production facility for Indonesian-made cars, a pivotal step towards national automotive self-reliance.
“While not yet an accomplishment, we have begun to pioneer this initiative. We will have our own Indonesian-made car within the next three years,” President Prabowo announced during a Plenary Cabinet Meeting held at the State Palace in Jakarta on Monday (20/10). This forward-looking statement underscores a clear vision for boosting domestic production and technological independence.
“I have already allocated funds, and land for the factories has been prepared. A dedicated team is currently at work,” he added, emphasizing the tangible progress being made. Prabowo also proudly revealed that the nation has already successfully produced an Indonesian-made jeep, signaling a promising start for the burgeoning automobile industry.
The domestic jeep referred to by President Prabowo is none other than the Pindad Maung. In a testament to his commitment to supporting national products, Prabowo has been utilizing the Pindad Maung Garuda Limousin since the very beginning of his tenure as President, setting a powerful example for the nation.
Highlighting the impact of this initiative, Prabowo remarked, “Now, our officials and officers are proud to use jeeps of our own making, rather than those from other countries.” This sentiment reflects a growing sense of national pride and confidence in Indonesian engineering capabilities.
He further elaborated on this burgeoning patriotism: “Our troop commanders, when leading their units, take pride in driving an Indonesian-made jeep. Your President uses an Indonesian-made jeep,” he stated, reinforcing the message of leading by example and fostering a culture of economic self-reliance.
In a light-hearted moment, Prabowo recounted a recent instance where he almost opted for another vehicle, seeking to be incognito. However, he quickly remembered his role and the importance of consistently setting an example.
“Yesterday, I went out, wanting to be incognito. So, I didn’t use my usual car; I used an Alphard. It had been a long time since I enjoyed an Alphard; it’s quite comfortable. But then, ‘Hold on, Prabowo, remember you are the President of the Republic of Indonesia; you must set an example.’ So, it’s back to the Maung,” he quipped, underscoring his personal dedication to promoting domestic production and embodying his vision for national development.
Summary
President Prabowo Subianto recently outlined ambitious plans for Indonesia to produce its own cars within the next three years, marking a significant step towards national automotive self-reliance. He confirmed that funds have been allocated, factory land prepared, and a dedicated team is actively working on this initiative. The nation has already successfully produced an Indonesian-made jeep, signaling a promising start for the burgeoning automobile industry.
This domestic jeep is the Pindad Maung, which President Prabowo uses as his official vehicle to set an example and promote national products. He emphasizes a growing sense of national pride and confidence in Indonesian engineering capabilities, encouraging officials to utilize domestically made vehicles to foster economic self-reliance.