Indonesian Diaspora Welcomes President Prabowo, as Maung Vehicle Makes Intl Debut

RRI.CO.ID, Cebu - President Prabowo Subianto’s arrival in Cebu, the Philippines, on Thursday, May 7, 2026, carried more than diplomatic significance as it also marked the first international use of Indonesia’s locally developed Maung tactical vehicle, a symbol of national innovation showcased on the global stage.

Landing at the Mactan Cebu International Airport Authority General Aviation Terminal at around 1:45 p.m. local time, President Prabowo was greeted by Philippine National Security Adviser Eduardo Oban and an honor guard. Traditional Filipino dancers and a ceremonial bouquet added cultural warmth to the official welcome.

The symbolism extended beyond protocol. Indonesian Cabinet Secretary Teddy Indra Wijaya said, the Maung -- developed by Indonesia’s defense industry and produced by Pindad -- has been used domestically since its introduction under President Prabowo’s tenure as Minister of Defense.

With over 3,200 units produced, its deployment abroad underscores Indonesia’s growing confidence in its defense technology. “The Maung is not just transportation, it represents self-reliance, national pride, and industrial progress. Its presence here is a form of diplomacy,” Teddy said.

Yet it was the Indonesian diaspora in Cebu who gave the visit its most personal touch. At the hotel where the President was staying, two Indonesian children in traditional attire presented flowers, while community members gathered to greet him with enthusiasm.

Ronald Tasik, one of the diaspora members, described the encounter as memorable. “He was very friendly, asking where we were from and our names. It felt close and personal,” Ronald said, adding pride in seeing the President travel with a locally made vehicle.

“It’s special to witness our leader promoting Indonesian innovation abroad,' he added.

For Lili Yahya, a long-time resident of Cebu, the moment was deeply emotional. “We are proud and moved. This is the first time an Indonesian President has visited Cebu, and it means a lot to us,” she said.

Lili also expressed admiration for the Maung’s presence, calling it “a surprising and proud gesture to introduce the vehicle to the Philippines.”

Agus Sudaryanto echoed the sentiment, noting that the visit created a sense of connection. “Usually, we only see the President on video. His presence here shows that our leader is reaching out globally, even to us living in the Philippines,” he said.

President Prabowo’s participation in the 48th ASEAN Summit, held May 7–8, includes the Brunei Darussalam-Indonesia-Malaysia-Philippines East ASEAN Growth Area (BIMP-EAGA) meeting, a forum aimed at strengthening regional connectivity and economic cooperation.

For the Indonesian diaspora in Cebu, however, the visit was more than diplomacy; it was also a moment of pride, recognition, and a reminder of Indonesia’s growing role in the region. (Sri Wahyuni/Bambang MBKA)