Several Coordinating Ministers Begin Using Maung Garuda as Official Vehicles

Jakarta (ANTARA) - Several coordinating ministers of the Red and White Cabinet and various heads of agencies have begun using the Maung Garuda, a vehicle manufactured by PT Pindad, as official service vehicles as of 5 October 2026.

Several Maung Garuda vehicles were seen entering the TNI Headquarters parking area in Jakarta on Monday morning, transporting coordinating ministers attending the 81st Anniversary ceremonies of the Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI). The same vehicles, white in colour with embossed accents bearing the word “Garuda”, were also observed in the parking area of the Presidential Palace Complex in Jakarta later that afternoon.

The Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs, Airlangga Hartarto, who was seen disembarking from a Maorn Garuda during his visit to the Palace today, explained that he, along with several other coordinating ministers and agency heads, began using the Maung Garuda as official vehicles this Monday.

However, Airlangga noted that not all members of the Red and White Cabinet have yet received these PT Pindad-manufactured vehicles. “There are 18 units, if I am not mistaken. The cars have only been provided to agency heads and the coordinating ministers,” Airlangga Hartarto told reporters.

At the same location and at a separate time, the Coordinating Minister for Downstreaming and Energy Transition, who also serves as the Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources, Bahlil Lahadalia, also confirmed he had tested the Maung Garuda today. “It is good; love for the Republic of Indonesia. It is comfortable. The facilities provided by the state are certainly comfortable,” Bahlil remarked when asked for his review of the new official vehicle.

“It is very competitive. We must love domestic products,” Bahlil added.

A similar sentiment was expressed by Airlangga. “The price is very competitive. This is a premium vehicle as it is comparable to the SsangYong from Korea,” said Airlangga.

Regarding the ministerial service vehicles, the Maung Garuda used by the ministers features specifications and a design roughly similar to the Maung MV3 Garuda Limousine. However, these new units for ministers are not immediately equipped with a sunroof, unlike the presidential vehicle.

Speaking to journalists, Airlangga provided a positive review of the Maung Garuda he used. “The interior and technology are good and comfortable. It has Bluetooth and a touch-screen. However, I am usually cautious with Bluetooth because calls can suddenly be heard in the front,” he said.

Furthermore, Airlangga added that the Maung Garuda is also suitable for use across all types of terrain.