President Prabowo Subianto has officially requested that the state-owned enterprise PT Pindad design a custom vehicle tailored for his presidential duties, specifically to better connect with the public during his regional visits.
During the launch of the Merah Putih Village Cooperatives in Nganjuk, East Java, on Saturday (May 16), the President expressed his vision for a transparent, glass-paneled vehicle. This design would allow citizens to see him more clearly as he tours various regions, fostering a more direct connection with the people.
“I am currently considering asking Pindad to design a special presidential vehicle featuring glass panels,” President Prabowo stated during the event, which was broadcast live via the Presidential Secretariat’s YouTube channel.
PT Pindad is a reputable Indonesian manufacturer specializing in defense and security equipment, including weaponry, ammunition, and specialized heavy vehicles. Notably, the company is already the producer of the Maung, the official tactical vehicle currently used by President Prabowo.
The President explained that his request was inspired by the overwhelming enthusiasm of the crowds he encountered during his recent work visits to Nganjuk and Tuban. He noted that citizens often wait for hours to catch a glimpse of him, and he finds it difficult to remain inside a closed vehicle when he could be engaging with them directly.
“There are so many people lining the streets. It does not feel right for the president to be tucked away inside a vehicle, so I have often been forced to stand,” he remarked. At 75 years old, the President expressed a desire for a vehicle that allows him to interact comfortably with the public, who are eager to greet him and shake his hand. “I would like a vehicle with a seat, but one that still allows me to be seen standing. At my age, I feel for the citizens who have waited so long, and I want to maintain that spirit,” he added.
Focus on East Java Visits
The announcement came during a busy day of official duties across East Java, where the President focused on initiatives aimed at strengthening grassroots economic growth and national food security. In Nganjuk, besides launching the 1,061 Merah Putih Village/Sub-district Cooperatives—a key government program to boost local productivity—Prabowo also inaugurated the Ibu Marsinah Museum and a community shelter. These facilities are intended to serve as educational hubs and symbols of the government’s commitment to social welfare.
Following his engagements in Nganjuk, the President traveled to Tuban to attend the Simultaneous Corn Harvest for the second quarter of 2026. This agenda highlights the administration’s ongoing efforts to optimize agricultural output and fortify national food security in the face of global challenges.
The President was accompanied on his visit to East Java by several high-ranking officials, including Minister of State Secretary Prasetyo Hadi, Minister of Foreign Affairs Sugiono, Presidential Chief of Staff Dudung Abdurachman, Cabinet Secretary Teddy Indra Wijaya, and Deputy Minister of Agriculture Sudaryono.
Summary
President Prabowo Subianto has requested that the state-owned enterprise PT Pindad design a custom, glass-paneled vehicle to facilitate better interaction with the public during his regional visits. The President noted that he often feels compelled to stand in closed vehicles to greet crowds, and a transparent design would allow him to engage with citizens more comfortably and safely. This initiative is inspired by the significant public enthusiasm he has encountered during his recent tours in East Java.
The request follows a series of official engagements in Nganjuk and Tuban, where the President focused on initiatives for grassroots economic growth, such as the launch of village cooperatives and the inauguration of new community facilities. Accompanied by several high-ranking officials, Prabowo emphasized the importance of maintaining a direct connection with the public while continuing his administration’s focus on national food security and social welfare. PT Pindad, known for producing the Maung tactical vehicle, will be responsible for developing the new specialized presidential transport.
