Jakarta — After being inaugurated as Indonesia’s 8th President, Prabowo Subianto greeted the public and made his way to the Presidential Palace in a locally manufactured, Indonesian-made SUV, the Pindad Maung, designated as his presidential vehicle.
Prabowo left the Parliament Complex in Senayan around 12:30 PM. While he initially arrived in a Toyota Alphard with Ministry of Defense license plates, after the inauguration ceremony, he switched to the white Maung SUV bearing the license plate ‘Indonesia 1.’
The ‘Indonesia 1’ plate had previously been used on the official black Mercedes-Benz sedan that transported President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) to the MPR building. As Jokowi departed the venue, he opted for a black Toyota Alphard with plate number B-1339-ZZR.
The Maung vehicle, with a Garuda emblem on the rear, proudly showcased Indonesia’s national automotive prowess as it carried Prabowo through the Sudirman-Thamrin streets on his way to the Presidential Palace, where he was greeted by cheering citizens.
“Prabowo-Gibran, Prabowo-Gibran, good luck!” the crowd enthusiastically chanted as Prabowo waved and acknowledged the support from the Maung.
At the Merdeka Palace, Prabowo was awaited by Jokowi for the official handover ceremony. Several high-ranking government officials from Jokowi’s cabinet, as well as Prabowo’s family, were present for the transitional event between the two leaders. (RR)
