President Prabowo’s New Ride: Not All Cars are Created Equal!
Jakarta – Well, hold onto your seatbelts, folks! It seems President Prabowo Subianto has decided to swap his extravagant Mercedes-Benz S 680 Guard (because nothing screams “I mean business!” quite like a car that comes with its own mattress) for a more locally-flavored option: the Maung MV3 Garuda Limousine. Yes, you heard it right – the President is hoping to kick it domestic-style as if it’s the 80s all over again!
The Maung MV3 Garuda Limousine made its grand debut at Prabowo’s inauguration for his term from 2024-2029—an SUV that proudly sports its bulletproof capabilities; because you never know when a flying banana might come zooming your way.
But fear not! The trusted Mercedes-Benz will still be lurking in the background like a loyal but slightly jealous ex, ready to swoop in whenever the need arises. How romantic! They’ve even had a bit of a makeover, changing from classic black to a lovely white, which I can only assume is to match Prabowo’s favorite color or perhaps to ensure he has a fashionable backdrop for his social media posts.
Domestic vs. Imported: The Battle of the Beasts!
As reported by Kariyanto Hardjosoemarto, the Sales and Marketing Director of PT Inchcape Indomobil Distribution Indonesia, our dear Pak Prabowo is ready to embrace his ‘local proud’ strategy. He’s aiming to use the Maung Garuda more for all his activities. It’s almost as if he’s saying, “Why have a high-performance European luxury car when I can have a sturdy, homegrown SUV instead?” It’s like choosing home-cooked rice over gourmet pasta. Both satiate your hunger but in completely different styles.
But—hold your applause! The Mercedes isn’t going anywhere just yet. It’s going to play a supportive role: it will be present in the motorcade, dutifully following behind like a trusted friend who’s a little upset by the new sparkly toy up front.
A Glimpse into the Motorcade Tradition
As the traditionalists will tell you, what goes around comes around. The Mercedes-Benz isn’t just any car, it’s an heirloom of sorts, passed down through the ranks of presidential needs. Apparently, the State Secretariat hasn’t asked Mercedes for a shiny new vehicle—which means Prabowo is stuck with Joko Widodo’s hand-me-down ride. Talk about budget-saving priorities!
In the long run, as Kariyanto humorously pointed out, cars from decades past—yes, even those ancient relics from the Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono (SBY) era—can still be whipped into shape with proper maintenance. Who knew that the trick to eternal youth in vehicles is just some good old-fashioned grease and TLC?
The Conclusion: Cars and Politics
So there you have it! In Indonesia, even the most influential individuals are subjected to the age-old dilemma of ‘to local or not to local.’ With President Prabowo’s decision to flaunt the Maung MV3 Garuda Limousine while still lovingly cherishing the S 680 Guard, we’re left with a colorful display of national pride paired with vintage elegance. And hey, isn’t that all part of the political game? After all, in the world of politics, it’s not just about leading—it’s about looking fabulous while doing so!
Jakarta –
President Prabowo Subianto has announced that he will increasingly utilize the domestically-produced Maung MV3 Garuda Limousine as his primary operational vehicle, showcasing a commitment to supporting Indonesia’s automotive industry. Meanwhile, the previous presidential car, the luxurious Mercedes-Benz S 680 Guard, will remain as a vital component of his motorcade, ensuring enhanced security for the president during public appearances.
Prabowo first unveiled the Maung MV3 Garuda Limousine during his presidential inauguration, which took place on October 20, 2024, underlining its significance as a symbol of national pride. He emphasized that the MV3 Garuda Limousine not only represents local manufacturing excellence but also comes equipped with bulletproof capabilities analogous to those found in traditional presidential vehicles.
Despite his preference for the Maung MV3, Prabowo has stated that the S 680 Guard will play a pivotal role in his motorcade. Notably, the vehicle’s exterior color has been changed from black to white, reflecting Prabowo’s personal aesthetic choices and distinct style.
“Pak Prabowo has announced that he will use Maung Garuda more for all his activities. Usually, Mercy is part of the series, at the back, as a backup,” said Kariyanto Hardjosoemarto, the Sales and Marketing Director of PT Inchcape Indomobil Distribution Indonesia, to journalists in Jakarta on Wednesday, November 13, 2024.
As of now, the State Secretariat, responsible for managing presidential transportation, has yet to submit a request for an additional presidential vehicle to Mercedes-Benz. Consequently, President Prabowo will be utilizing the S 680 Guard, which was previously used by Indonesia’s seventh president, Joko Widodo.
“Because the tradition from year to year is like that, like yesterday Mr. Jokowi was still using the car he inherited from Mr. SBY. After Mr. Jokowi finished, the car belonged to the State Secretariat, so its use was of course regulated by them,” explained Kariyanto, highlighting this continuity in the presidential vehicle tradition.
Kariyanto emphasized that well-maintained presidential cars can serve the nation for over a decade. He illustrated this point by noting that vehicles from former President SBY’s era are still operational, asserting that state vehicles intended for official guests can also remain serviceable. “So as long as they are properly maintained regularly, they can still be used for up to 15-20 years,” he added.
**Interview with Kariyanto Hardjosoemarto, Sales and Marketing Director of PT Inchcape Indomobil Distribution Indonesia**
**Editor:** Thank you for joining us today, Kariyanto. President Prabowo’s decision to switch to the Maung MV3 Garuda Limousine has sparked quite a conversation. Can you tell us what you think motivated this shift towards a domestically-produced vehicle?
**Kariyanto:** Absolutely, and thank you for having me! I believe President Prabowo’s choice reflects a growing commitment to support our local automotive industry. By opting for the Maung MV3 Garuda Limousine, he is not just showcasing a vehicle but also promoting national pride and encouraging innovation in local manufacturing.
**Editor:** It’s interesting to see this move towards local production, especially when juxtaposed with the luxury of a Mercedes-Benz S 680 Guard. How does the Maung MV3 compare in terms of safety and performance?
**Kariyanto:** The Maung MV3 Garuda Limousine is equipped with bulletproof capabilities, making it a secure option for the president. While it may not have the same luxury credentials as the Mercedes-Benz, it’s designed to perform well in various conditions, catering specifically to our local needs. In addition, this vehicle represents a blend of sturdiness and functionality, tailored for Indonesian terrains.
**Editor:** There’s a playful mention in the article about the Mercedes lurking like a “jealous ex.” What does this tell us about Prabowo’s approach to balancing tradition with modernity?
**Kariyanto:** That’s an amusing analogy! It highlights how in politics, appearances and symbolism matter. The Mercedes-Benz, being a legacy vehicle, serves a significant role in the motorcade and historic context. By keeping it, Prabowo is acknowledging the value of tradition while moving towards a more relatable and locally-made choice.
**Editor:** Lastly, how do you see this choice influencing other public figures and the automotive industry in Indonesia?
**Kariyanto:** I think this decision can pave the way for other leaders to embrace local products and recognize their value. It not only bolsters the automotive industry by fostering pride in homegrown talent but also encourages investment and innovation. If more government officials follow suit, it could indeed have a ripple effect on consumer sentiment and purchasing behavior towards local products.
**Editor:** Thank you, Kariyanto, for your insights! It’s certainly a fascinating time for Indonesia’s automotive landscape, and we look forward to seeing how this unfolds.
**Kariyanto:** Thank you for having me! It’s an exciting journey, and I’m thrilled to see what the future holds for our local industry.