Heaptalk, Jakarta — Hasan Nasbi, Head of the Presidential Communications Office (PCO), recently explained the rationale behind President Prabowo Subianto’s instruction for Ministers and agency heads to replace their official vehicles with Pindad, Maung’s domestically produced car.
“President Prabowo’s pride in domestically manufactured vehicles, particularly PT Pindad’s Maung, is the primary reason behind this decision. In fact, Prabowo has decided to use the Maung car as one of his official vehicles since assuming the presidency,” Hasan voiced.
While Hasan did not disclose details such as the number of vehicles, models, or budget allocated for this transition, he mentioned that a comprehensive plan would be required to implement the change. He admitted that specific plans, including the exact number of units, are still under review.
According to Hasan, the Maung vehicle will apply to all government ranks, including ministers, deputy ministers, and agency heads.
“The State Secretariat and Ministry of Finance will handle all arrangements. Essentially, all cabinet members, including agency heads, will be directed to utilize the Maung,” he explained.
The shift to Maung vehicles for official use by ministers, deputy ministers, and agency heads in the Merah Putih Cabinet had been reported earlier. The Presidential Palace has confirmed that President Prabowo has mandated all cabinet members to adopt the Maung, PT Pindad’s robust domestic product, as their official vehicle.
President Prabowo first announced this directive during a cabinet retreat at the Indonesian Military Academy (Akmil) in Magelang, Central Java, from October 25 to 27, 2024.
“President Prabowo’s instruction at the retreat was for all ministers, deputy ministers, and agency heads to utilize the Maung as their official vehicle,” Hasan admitted.
In a related comment, Minister of State Secretary Prasetyo Hadi remarked that they had not yet discussed the fate of official vehicles assigned to officials from the previous administration under President Joko Widodo.
