Prabowo Asks Pindad to Design a Special Vehicle for Greeting Citizens: 'I'm Already 75 Years Old'

President Prabowo Subianto has asked PT Pindad to design a special presidential vehicle that can be used to greet or interact with citizens.

He made the statement while inaugurating the operational launch of 1,601 Merah Putih Cooperatives in Nganjuk, East Java, on Saturday (16/5).

Prabowo began by recounting his experiences visiting various regions in Indonesia, where large numbers of citizens would gather to greet him and shake his hand.

“I’m happy and touched when I visit these regions, but I have to tell you, it’s quite tiring because so many people come out to the streets. It wouldn’t be right for the president to stay inside a vehicle,” said Prabowo.

“So, I have to stand up. It’s true, I stand up, and the people want to shake my hand, so I try to shake their hands,” he continued.

A similar situation occurred during Prabowo’s visit to Nganjuk, East Java, today. Prabowo even joked that many of the people in East Java work as farmers because their hands are quite “rough.”

“But, oh my, the people of East Java really have rough hands. It turns out that East Java has many farmers. The mothers also have rough hands. After two or three visits, I have to use special lotion, but that’s the risk. I told them that they’ve been in the sun for hours,” he said.

Based on this, Prabowo asked PT Pindad to create a presidential vehicle with a special design that can be used when greeting the public.

“I’m thinking of asking Pindad, where is Professor Sigit? Let’s design a special vehicle for the president with glass, so there’s a seat, but it looks like I’m standing. Is that okay? I’m already 75 years old, but I feel sorry for the people who have to wait so long. This (hand) is sore, but I’m enthusiastic,” he said.

Prabowo often greets the public during working visits to the regions from the top of his vehicle. On several occasions, he has also distributed shirts to the crowds gathered on the side of the road.