President Prabowo's Maung Garuda Steals Attention from Locals and ASEAN Summit Delegates

Jakarta (ANTARA) - The state vehicle of Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto, the Maung Garuda, attracted attention from Philippine delegates and residents during the 48th ASEAN Summit in Cebu, where the domestically produced tactical vehicle was used throughout the event. “I saw this as an amazing vehicle,” said Yusail, one of Cebu’s residents who observed and photographed the tactical vehicle as it passed through the conference area, quoted from a press release by the Press, Media, and Information Bureau of the Presidential Secretariat in Jakarta on Saturday. The vehicle, a product of Indonesia’s defence industry firm PT Pindad, stood out due to its distinct design compared to other official delegate vehicles. The MV3 Garuda Limousine is an SUV-limousine type painted white, while other heads of state’s vehicles were black sedans. Since landing in the Philippines, Maung has become the most observed symbol by both the public and high-level meeting participants around the event location. “This vehicle is very classic and different from any others I’ve seen in the Philippines,” said Alex, giving his assessment of Maung’s aesthetics. Beyond its visually imposing and modern appearance, the vehicle’s functionality also received praise from on-site personnel. Kathrine, a security officer on duty during the 48th ASEAN Summit, assessed that the vehicle met high security standards suitable for a head of state. Kathrine expressed her view that the vehicle felt very safe for the Indonesian President to use in carrying out his diplomatic agenda. This assessment reinforces Maung’s image as a reliable presidential transport tool. The government has consistently demonstrated its domestic manufacturing capacity, particularly in the defence and automotive sectors, to neighbouring countries in Southeast Asia. Amid the formal agenda discussing regional cooperation strengthening, Maung’s presence added a unique colour to the diplomatic stage. The vehicle’s appearance represents Indonesia’s spirit of confidently showcasing domestic products in the international community. President Prabowo’s decision to bring a defence industry product abroad serves a dual purpose, both as official presidential transport and as a promotional tool for Indonesia’s rapidly developing manufacturing capabilities.