President Prabowo Subianto exhibited his commitment to promoting domestic products by riding in Maung Garuda, an SUV produced by state-owned military vehicle producer PT Pindad, while leaving the People’s Consultative Assembly (MPR)/House of Representatives (DPR) complex upon his inauguration as the country’s 8thpresident on Sunday, October 20, 2024.
The company introduced the latest variant of its flagship product, Maung, under the name MV3 Garuda Limousine. This vehicle is the latest development from PT Pindad to meet the needs of presidential transportation.
The MV3 Garuda Limousine depicts a combination of strength, comfort, and strong national pride. Corporate Secretary of PT Pindad, Dianing Puji Rahayu, said this vehicle is a special variant developed according to direct instructions from President Prabowo Subianto.
President Director of PT Pindad, Abraham Mose, appreciated the president for using the momentum of his inauguration to promote the locally-made vehicle and for continuously encouraging the progress of domestic defense industry, especially PT Pindad.
“Of course we are touched and proud because our newest vehicle, the MV3 Garuda Limousine, the work of the nation’s children, is used in this historic momentum and the fact that pak Prabowo Subianto has trusted, challenged and encouraged the use of domestic products made by Pindad in order to continuously advance and improve its quality,” Abraham Mose said in a statement obtained by Indonesia Business Post on October 21, 2024.
Besides Prabowo, Vice President Gibran Rakabuming Raka will also use this Maung Garuda variant for his official vehicle with the license plate “Indonesia 2”. The use of the MV3 Garuda Limousine among the country’s high-ranking officials is expected to be a symbol of the nation’s independence in producing world-class tactical vehicles.
Specifications
The MV3 Garuda Limousine has an exclusive and masculine appearance with safety protection and provides comfort with quality materials and advanced features. Garuda weighs 2.95 tons, 5.05 m in length, 2.06 m in width, 1.87 m in height and a comfortable and spacious long wheelbase design.
The car has an engine power of 202 PS/199 HP, AT transmission with 8 speeds, and has a maximum speed of 100 km/hour. With a portfolio of defense and security equipment manufacturers, Pindad applies vehicle protection as a top priorit, equipping it with security features, including a body with composite armor material that is resistant to ammunition 7.62 x 51 mm NATO ball & 5.56 x 45 mm M193, B5/B6 level bulletproof glass, and is equipped with R21 tires with Run Flat Tire (RFT) type that can continue to run even if there is a leak on the way.
Director of Technology & Development PT Pindad, Sigit P. Santosa, said that the design of the MV3 Garuda Limousine reflects a strong character with national identity. “The grille motif is inspired by parang batik which depicts local wisdom as well as one of the nation’s identities,” Sigit said.
The Garuda logo, with its dynamic wingspan, is displayed from the grille to the vehicle’s rims, showing the strength and forward movement that are symbols of Indonesian pride.
The MV3 Garuda Limousine offers classy comfort with an interior that uses premium materials such as wood finish accents, captain seats with electric adjustments and adjustable leg rests. Full control over vehicle features can be done via the limo touch control panel.
Other facilities such as a 12-inch Head Unit, 360° camera, smart TV, cooled storage, and portable WiFi ensure passengers stay connected and comfortable during the trip. From the exterior side, the MV3 Garuda Limousine is also equipped with an automatic footstep on the side of the vehicle to make it easier for passengers to get in and out.
Local pride
The use of the MV3 Garuda Limousine as the official vehicle of the President and Vice President not only shows the performance of locally made vehicles that can compete with international products, but also is a form of appreciation for PT Pindad’s capabilities in the defense industry.
The presence of the MV3 Garuda Limousine emphasizes PT Pindad’s ability to continue to innovate, while also showing that Indonesia is capable of producing tactical and luxury vehicles with a touch of cutting-edge technology. With a design that emphasizes national identity and advanced technology, this vehicle is ready to support the mobility of state leaders in various terrains and conditions, making Garuda Limousine a symbol of the independence of the Indonesian nation.
PT Pindad has met the average local content requirement (TKDN) of above 50 percent, especially in small-caliber ammunition products “In terms of the industrial ecosystem, PT Pindad is able to carry out the entire ammunition production process and is supported by at least 17 privat-owned companies (BUMS) with 1,556 employees to produce a multiplier economy in the country,” Abraham Mose said.
