Pindad Ready to Develop Transparent Presidential Car for President Prabowo
PT Pindad (Persero) has expressed readiness to realise President Prabowo Subianto’s ambition to possess a transparent presidential car designed to facilitate interaction with the public during official visits. Chief Executive Sigit Puji Santosa confirmed that he had received direct instructions from the President on developing a vehicle with a glass body. The technical team at Pindad is currently preparing intensively. ‘If that is the case, we will keep preparing. We have already started,’ Sigit said at the Presidential Palace Complex, Jakarta, on Monday, 18 May 2026.
The idea for a transparent car was first disclosed by the President during a speech at the launch of 1,061 Merah Putih Village/Urban Co-operatives outlets in Nganjuk Regency, East Java, on Saturday, 16 May. In his remarks, the President specifically asked Professor Sigit Puji Santosa to design a vehicle that would allow him to remain visible to the public even while inside the car. ‘I’m thinking about this, ask Pindad… Try to design a special car for the President with glass, with seats, but it looks like I am standing,’ the President said.
Since his inauguration on 20 October 2024, President Prabowo has consistently used Maung Garuda, the domestically produced presidential car by Pindad. The luxury civil version of this tactical vehicle has even been showcased internationally, such as at the 48th ASEAN Summit in Cebu, Philippines.
Although the transparent car project is underway, Pindad continues to keep technical specifications and timelines confidential. Sigit urged the public to await an official government announcment.
The move to develop a transparent presidential car further underscores the government’s commitment to advancing Indonesia’s defence and automotive industries and to fostering a sense of closeness between the leader and the people. As an example of domestic capability, the project follows other domestic defence industry developments, such as Pindad’s production of small-calibre ammunition (for example 5.56 mm and 7.62 mm).
‘Yes, we are happy about this; this is a source of pride for Indonesia’s products, Pindad in particular. The President also uses the Maung car in daily life,’ a government official noted. Finance Minister Purbaya Yudhi Sadewa confirmed the budget for procuring Maung for ministers and deputy ministers is ready, though actual implementation awaits Pindad’s readiness.
Domestic State-Owned Enterprises such as PT Dirgantara Indonesia (DI) and PT Pindad are exploring commercial markets, a response to debates about using domestically produced official vehicles for ministers and officials at echelon I levels. If officials adopt domestically produced vehicles, the public might also view these cars as alternatives to European or Asian products.
A video circulating shows a white Maung Garuda, the vehicle Prabowo uses for refuelling at a Shell service station. Officials say the step signals Indonesia’s growing sovereignty in the motor vehicle sector. The car will be prioritised for central-level officials; regional officials’ needs remain undecided.
Riefky, a government official, said he would support Prabowo’s wishes and be proud to use a domestically produced official car.