Rehan Oktra Halim, Jakarta – The Palace displayed several cars that were once used by the presidents. The exhibition of presidential cars was held to celebrate the 80th Independence Day of the Republic of Indonesia. According to Antara, these historic vehicles were displayed in the backyard of the Palace.
Here are the cars that were previously driven by Indonesian presidents:
Buick 1939
The oldest presidential car is a 1939 Buick used by President Soekarno. The Buick represents the early journey of Indonesia's official vehicles and marks the first era of the country's government.
Mercedes-Benz S280
President Soeharto and First Lady Tien Soeharto once drove a white Mercedes-Benz S280. The 1980 model later served Presidents BJ Habibie and Abdurrahman Wahid as well.
Mercedes-Benz S-Class W126
In addition to the white S280, Soeharto, BJ Habibie, and Abdurrahman Wahid also used a 1982 Mercedes-Benz S-Class W126.
Cadillac Fleetwood Brougham
During his term, President BJ Habibie also used two units of the Cadillac Fleetwood Brougham alongside the Mercedes-Benz S-Class W126.
Mercedes-Benz S-Class W140
During the presidencies of Megawati Soekarnoputri and Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono, the official vehicle was the 1998 Mercedes-Benz S-Class W140.
Mercedes-Benz S600 Guard
President Joko Widodo used the Mercedes-Benz S600 Guard during his presidency. This vehicle had also been used by Yudhoyono.
Maung Garuda
President Prabowo Subianto became the first president to use a domestically-made official vehicle. His Maung Garuda Limousine type MV3, produced by PT Pindad, is bulletproof and equipped with B5/B6 glass, Run Flat Tyres, 360-degree cameras, a 202 PS/199 HP engine, premium leather seats, advanced control panels, and modern features like wireless charging and automatic footrests.
Its exterior showcases the parang batik motif, the Garuda emblem, and a flagpole, conveying strength and prestige.
– Rizki Dewi Ayu contributed to the writing of this article.