Prabowo Asks Pindad to Design Special Vehicle for Greeting Citizens During Visits

Prabowo made the statement while inaugurating 1,061 operational units of the Merah Putih Village Cooperative in Nganjuk, East Java. He began by saying that he wanted to shake hands with all the citizens who were willing to wait for him.

“I am now happy and touched when I visit various regions, but frankly, I must tell you that it can be quite tiring when so many people come out to the streets during a presidential visit. It would be ridiculous if I didn’t stand up, right?” Prabowo said on Saturday (16/5/2026).

“I stand up, and the people want to shake my hand, so of course, I have to shake their hands. But honestly, the people of East Java have strong hands. It turns out that East Java has many farmers, and the mothers also have strong hands. After three visits, I had to use special lotion, but that’s the risk. I told them that they waited for hours in the sun,” he added.

Prabowo then asked the Director of PT Pindad, Sigit Puji Santosa, to design a Maung vehicle that would make it easier for him to shake hands with citizens.

Prabowo also joked that he was getting old and not as strong as he used to be.

“I’m thinking of asking Pindad, where is Professor Sigit? Where is Mr. Sigit? Can you design a special vehicle for the president, with glass and a seat, but it still looks like I’m standing? Is that possible?” he said.

“I’m already 75 years old, but I feel sorry for the people who have to wait so long. This hurts (pointing to his hand),” he added. (azh/dhn)