Prabowo uses Maung as a show of support for local products

Jakarta (ANTARA) - President Prabowo Subianto has stated that the government is providing a tangible example of support for the use of locally made products, one of which is the Maung tactical vehicle.

During his keynote speech at the 18th National Congress of HIPMI in 2026, monitored via the Presidential Secretariat broadcast in Jakarta on Wednesday, President Prabowo conveyed that efforts to build the national automotive industry have begun to show results.

According to him, the Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI) are now using domestically produced tactical vehicles. He also admitted to using national production vehicles in his daily activities as President.

“We have begun to pioneer this; now the TNI is using jeeps made by the sons and daughters of Indonesia themselves. Your President, I am now using a car made by the people of Indonesia,” said President Prabowo.

President Prabowo believes that the use of domestic products by state officials is a form of support for the development of national industry, while simultaneously encouraging public confidence in the capabilities of the nation’s people.

However, President Prabowo acknowledged that the national automotive industry is still in the early stages of development and requires time to continuously improve the quality and competitiveness of its products.

“Since it is something new, perhaps it is not as good as if I were using a BMW or Mercedes, right? If Mr. Ara (Maruarar Sirait) uses a Mercedes, perhaps, but I cannot do that anymore. I use the Maung,” he said.

President Prabowo emphasised that his choice to use a national vehicle was not merely a technical consideration, but a form of commitment to driving Indonesia’s industrial independence.

“Whether people like it or not, as President, I must set an example; I must use cars made by the children of Indonesia,” concluded President Prabowo.