The Significance Behind Prabowo's Maung Ride at the ASEAN Summit in the Philippines

JAKARTA, KOMPAS.com - The Maung MV3 Garuda Limousine became a new sight during President Prabowo Subianto’s visit to Cebu, Philippines, to attend the 48th ASEAN Summit. The white vehicle served as Prabowo’s ride throughout his stay in Cebu, from landing on Thursday (7/5/2026) until the end of the ASEAN Summit series. Cabinet Secretary Teddy Indra Wijaya stated that the Maung was deliberately brought to the Philippines to demonstrate Indonesia’s industrial progress. Teddy said that the domestically made Maung vehicle also serves as a symbol of diplomacy. “The Maung becomes a symbol of diplomacy. From within the country, for Indonesia, appearing on the world stage,” he said. The journey of the Maung to Cebu is also seen as a symbol of the nation’s readiness to bring national strategic products to the international level. Indonesian diaspora who welcomed Prabowo in the Philippines admitted to being very proud of the Maung vehicle. “It’s special to see a leader who is proud to bring local products, the work of the nation’s children, innovation and technology by the nation’s children to the international arena,” said one Indonesian diaspora in the Philippines, Ronald Tasik, quoted from a statement by the Presidential Secretariat on Thursday. “Very surprised, I mean, truly very proud because perhaps Mr. wants to introduce that vehicle to the Philippines. So wow, very surprising. Brought all the way from Indonesia here,” said another Indonesian citizen, Lili Yahya. From the belly of the TNI AU Airbus A400M aircraft, the Maung MV3 Garuda Limousine was transported directly from Indonesia to accompany President Prabowo’s mobility during the state agenda. The presidential vehicle produced by PT Pindad arrived in Cebu earlier on 4 May 2026. The Maung MV3 Garuda Limousine is the latest variant of the Maung family developed by PT Pindad.