President Prabowo Subianto has tasked the state-owned defense enterprise PT Pindad with designing a bespoke vehicle specifically for presidential public engagement. The President envisions a car featuring transparent, glass-like elements, allowing citizens to have a clearer view of him during his official visits.
Prabowo shared his vision during the inauguration of 1,061 Merah Putih Village Cooperatives in Nganjuk, East Java, on Saturday (May 16). The announcement, broadcast via the Presidential Secretariat’s YouTube channel, stems from his desire to maintain closer contact with the public.
PT Pindad is a prominent state-owned company specializing in defense and security manufacturing. Its diverse portfolio includes weaponry, ammunition, heavy equipment, and cyber security solutions. Notably, the company is already the manufacturer behind the President’s current official vehicle, the Maung.
The President explained that his request was prompted by his recent experiences during working visits to Nganjuk and Tuban. Faced with the overwhelming enthusiasm of crowds waiting for hours, Prabowo expressed that staying inside a conventional, enclosed vehicle felt impractical.
“There are so many people along the streets; it wouldn’t be appropriate for the president to remain hidden inside a vehicle, so I have had to stand,” Prabowo noted. He added that the public’s eagerness to greet him personally inspired the request for a vehicle design that allows him to stand comfortably while remaining visible to his constituents. “I am 75 years old, but I feel energized when I see the public who have waited so long for me,” he added.
Working Visit to East Java
The request came amidst a busy day of official duties in East Java, where the President focused on strengthening local economies and ensuring national food security.
In Nganjuk, Prabowo inaugurated the Ibu Marsinah Museum and a local shelter. These facilities are intended to serve as educational spaces and centers for social empowerment, reflecting the government’s commitment to community welfare. Furthermore, the launch of the 1,061 Merah Putih cooperatives marks a strategic effort to boost rural economic productivity through integrated local management.
Following his activities in Nganjuk, the President traveled to Tuban to attend the Grand Corn Harvest for the second quarter of 2026. This event highlights the government’s commitment to maintaining agricultural productivity and bolstering national food security amidst evolving global challenges.
President Prabowo was accompanied on his visit to East Java by several high-ranking officials, including State Secretary Prasetyo Hadi, Foreign Minister Sugiono, Presidential Chief of Staff Dudung Abdurachman, Cabinet Secretary Teddy Indra Wijaya, and Deputy Minister of Agriculture Sudaryono.
Summary
President Prabowo Subianto has commissioned the state-owned defense enterprise PT Pindad to design a custom vehicle with transparent features for official public engagements. This request follows the President’s recent working visits to Nganjuk and Tuban, where he observed large crowds waiting for hours to greet him. Prabowo believes that a modified vehicle will allow him to interact more comfortably and visibility with the public during his travels.
The President’s directive coincided with his visit to East Java, where he focused on strengthening local economies and food security. During his trip, he inaugurated community-focused facilities such as the Ibu Marsinah Museum and numerous village cooperatives. The visit also included a grand corn harvest event, emphasizing the administration’s commitment to improving national agricultural productivity.