Purbaya on Budget for Prabowo's Special Vehicle: If Requested, It Will Be Provided
JAKARTA, KOMPAS.com - Finance Minister Purbaya Yudhi Sadewa stated that, in principle, the government is ready to prepare a budget should President Prabowo Subianto truly desire the creation of a special presidential vehicle made of glass, allowing him to be visible while greeting the people. However, Purbaya admitted that, as of now, no official request regarding the procurement of such a vehicle has been received.
“If permitted, if it is indeed requested, there will certainly be a budget. But there has been no official request yet,” Purbaya told reporters at the Directorate General of Taxes (DJP) in Jakarta on Monday (18/5/2026).
“His wish is that even if it is covered, he remains visible. He should appear as if he is standing, but while actually sitting, so that he does not get too tired from standing,” said Punctual.
Nevertheless, he admitted he does not yet know the specific design details of the intended vehicle, as an official design is currently unavailable. Purbaya noted that he only heard the discourse directly during the President’s activities in Tuban a short while ago. To date, no formal instructions have been issued to the Ministry of Finance regarding the budgeting for this project.
“Nothing has been communicated to me via official order. We will see how it develops,” said Purbaya.
Nonetheless, he ensured that government budgetary space is available should the procurement of the vehicle eventually be decided upon.
Previously, Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto requested that PT Pindad (Persero) create a special presidential vehicle made of glass so that he could remain visible while greeting the public. Initially, Prabowo mentioned experiencing fatigue from having to continuously stand through a car sunroof to greet and shake hands with the crowds welcoming him during regional visits.
Prabowo proposed the idea for Pindad to design a special presidential vehicle using glass. He wants the vehicle to provide a seat for him, but designed in a way that makes him appear as if he is standing to greet the people. Prabowo also alluded to his age of 75, noting that despite his age, he still wishes to greet the large crowds waiting for him.
“I am thinking of asking Pindad—where is Professor Sigit (President Director of Pindad, Sigit P Santosa)? Is Sigit here? Not here. Try to design a special car for the President, using glass, with a seat but making it look like I am standing. Is that possible? I am already 75 years old, it’s crazy, but I feel for the people who wait a long time. But I am still enthusiastic,” said Prabowo during the inauguration of ,1061 Red and White Village/Sub-district Cooperatives in Nganjuk, Saturday (16/5/2026).