President Prabowo proud as Indonesia begins making Its own cars

Jakarta (ANTARA) - President Prabowo Subianto said he is proud that Indonesia has begun developing its own domestically made cars, describing it as an important first step toward achieving independence in the country's automotive industry.

Speaking at the National Gathering of the Indonesian Science, Technology, and Industry Convention (KSTI) in Jakarta on Friday, Prabowo said he felt a sense of pride when riding the Maung presidential vehicle, which was developed by Indonesia's domestic industry.

“I have a deep sense of satisfaction in my heart. When I was inaugurated and returned from the inauguration, I was able to ride in a car made in Indonesia,” Prabowo said.

Prabowo said he had questioned why Indonesia only recently became capable of producing its own cars after more than 80 years of independence. He thanked universities and other stakeholders for contributing to the advancement of the country's industrial sector.

“I thank our universities. I am grateful that we are beginning to move toward having our own cars,” he said.

Prabowo acknowledged that the Maung vehicle is not yet made entirely from locally sourced components. However, he noted that its domestic content level (TKDN) of around 60–70 percent represents meaningful progress toward building a self-reliant national automotive industry.

He also joked that during its early months of use, the vehicle leaked when driven through heavy rain.

The president acknowledged that the Maung is not yet fully built with locally sourced components, but said its domestic content level of around 60-70 percent marked significant progress toward developing a self-reliant automotive industry. Prabowo also joked that the vehicle leaked when driven through heavy rain.

Despite the shortcoming, Prabowo said he would continue using locally made products to support Indonesia's domestic industry.

“At the very least, we've started. We must have the courage to begin," he said.

During the same event, Prabowo underscored the role of scientists, academics and professors in advancing the country, saying that strong human resources, technological capability and patriotism were key to Indonesia's development.

Prabowo also emphasized that cooperation among the country's elites is a key factor in determining a nation's success.

“From what I have learned from thousands of years of history, the nations whose elites are able to work together are the ones that rise,” Prabowo said.

Related news: Prabowo credits farmers, fishermen for 2024 election victory

Related news: Indonesia plans national car hub with 300,000-vehicle capacity

Translator: Prisca/Genta, Kuntum Khaira

Editor: M Razi Rahman

Copyright © ANTARA 2026