Attending the 48th ASEAN Summit, Prabowo Rides Maung Upon Arrival in the Philippines

President of the Republic of Indonesia Prabowo Subianto arrived at The Mactan Cebu International Airport Authority (MCIAA) General Aviation (Gen-AV) Terminal in Cebu, Philippines, on Thursday, 7 May 2026, at 13:45 local time (LT). President Prabowo’s presence is to attend the 48th ASEAN Summit taking place on 7-8 May 2026.

Upon arrival in Cebu, President Prabowo was greeted by the National Security Adviser of the Republic of the Philippines, Eduardo Oban. At the foot of the aircraft stairs, President Prabowo also received an honorary welcome in the form of an honour guard and a performance of traditional Filipino dances. In addition, the President received a bouquet of flowers from the host side.

President Prabowo’s arrival in the Philippines has drawn particular attention. For the first time in an overseas visit, the Head of State was picked up using the Maung, a light tactical vehicle developed by Indonesia’s domestic defence industry.

“During his stay in the Philippines, the President will use this vehicle known as a tough light tactical vehicle,” stated Cabinet Secretary Teddy Indra Wijaya in his remarks.

According to Cabinet Secretary Teddy, the tactical vehicle is known for its robustness and has been used in various operations and national needs. The use of the Maung in the President’s international agenda also demonstrates the progress of the domestic defence industry, which continues to develop.

“The Maung has been developed since Mr Prabowo served as Minister of Defence, and its production at Pindad has now reached 3,200 units, and it has been used in various domestic operations and needs. President Prabowo has also been using the Maung since his inauguration as President of the Republic of Indonesia on 20 October 2024,” he said.

Furthermore, Cabinet Secretary Teddy conveyed that the use of the Maung at the 48th ASEAN Summit is not merely as a mode of transportation, but also as a symbol of national independence, national self-confidence, and the advancement of Indonesia’s technological industry.

“The use of the Maung at this international forum is not just as a means of transportation, but as a symbol of independence, national self-confidence, and the progress of Indonesia’s national industry. The Maung becomes a symbol of diplomacy,” continued Cabinet Secretary Teddy.

“From within the country, for Indonesia, present on the world stage,” he said.