Minister of State-Owned Enterprises (SOE) Erick Thohir has expressed his full support for President Prabowo Subianto’s plan to use the Maung tactical car, produced by State-owned military vehicle manufacturer PT Pindad, as official vehicle for ministers, deputy ministers, and echelon I officials.
“We support the government’s plan to increase domestic production,” Erick said on Tuesday, October 29, 2024.
Erick cited that PT Pindad has received orders of around 4,600 units of this vehicle from the Ministry of Defense for the next two years. The amount is predicted to increase along with the government’s plan to make the Maung an official car.
However, Erick said that the use of the Maung as official cars for the minister cannot be done immediately.
“There are stages to follow. It can’t be done quickly because the production line of PT Pindad must be organized,” he said.
President Director of PT Pindad, Abraham Mose, said the company would be ready to produce the Maung as official car upon direct instruction from President Prabowo.
“PT Pindad will need full support from the government for the infrastructure and additional production facilities,” Abraham said on Monday, October 28, 2024.
The use of Maung as official car is considered a strategic step by President Prabowo in encouraging the independence of domestic automotive industry.
“This is a strong commitment from the President to support domestic products,” he said.
However, the plan to replace this official vehicle needs to consider the Minister of Finance Regulation No. 172/PMK.06/2020 which regulates the standards for ministerial official vehicles.
In this regulation, official cars in the SUV/MPV and sedan categories must meet a minimum engine capacity of 3,500 cc with 6 cylinders. Official vehicles of the cabinet of then President Joko Widodo used the Toyota Crown and Alphard, which are imported directly from Japan, as official vehicles.
PT Pindad is now waiting for follow-up from the SOE ministry regarding the procurement of Maung for official cars, while also preparing an adequate production line to meet the demand.
