Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto made a significant appearance at the 48th ASEAN Summit in Cebu, Philippines, on Friday, May 8, 2026. Arriving in style, President Prabowo utilized the Maung, an Indonesian-made vehicle, marking its debut appearance on the international stage. His attendance was defined by a strong focus on regional energy security and a unified call for upholding international law amidst rising global geopolitical tensions.
A Bold Commitment to Solar Energy
During the summit, President Prabowo addressed the ongoing global supply chain disruptions that have strained energy security across ASEAN nations. He announced a proactive stance for Indonesia, stating, “Indonesia is taking concrete steps by developing an ambitious 100-gigawatt solar energy program, which will be completed within three years.” Beyond solar power, Indonesia is positioning bioenergy and the rapid adoption of electric vehicles as central pillars in strengthening its national energy resilience. He cautioned that any disruption to regional maritime routes not only destabilizes global supply chains but also threatens critical food security systems.
The Maung: A Symbol of National Pride
The President’s arrival in the Maung was a moment of national pride. Cabinet Secretary Teddy Indra Wijaya highlighted that this was the first time the domestically produced vehicle had been used at such a prestigious international forum. According to Wijaya, the vehicle serves as more than just transportation; it is a powerful symbol of Indonesia’s industrial progress, self-reliance, and diplomatic confidence. “From within the country, for Indonesia, it is present on the world stage,” he added.
United Against International Law Violations
In the plenary session held at the Mactan Expo, President Prabowo urged fellow ASEAN leaders to hold a collective stance against international law violations. He specifically highlighted the need for regional protection regarding the safety of citizens currently in the Middle East. “ASEAN must speak with one voice. We must demand that all parties uphold international law and hold them accountable for any violations,” he asserted, emphasizing that the welfare of citizens abroad must remain a top priority for the bloc.
Energy Resilience and Geopolitical Independence
Addressing the Brunei Darussalam–Indonesia–Malaysia–Philippines East ASEAN Growth Area (BIMP-EAGA) forum, Prabowo framed energy security as an urgent challenge rather than a long-term goal. He pointed to the vast untapped potential of the region, including hydro, solar, and wind power. “Our energy transition is moving at full speed. We are building 100 GW of solar power and working together to enhance our energy infrastructure,” he noted.
Concluding his remarks, President Prabowo emphasized the importance of regional autonomy. He warned that the region should not be swayed by the ego and rivalries of major powers. “We must set an example and be truly committed to a solid ASEAN that preserves peace, maintains stability, and values dialogue and collaboration,” he stated. For Indonesia, the path forward is clear: avoiding the current currents of geopolitical competition to ensure continued development and prosperity for the region.
Summary
President Prabowo Subianto attended the 48th ASEAN Summit in the Philippines, where he showcased the Indonesian-made Maung vehicle as a symbol of national industrial progress. During the summit, he emphasized energy security by announcing an ambitious 100-gigawatt solar energy program to be completed within three years. He also highlighted the importance of bioenergy and electric vehicles to strengthen regional resilience against supply chain disruptions.
In addition to energy initiatives, President Prabowo urged ASEAN leaders to maintain a unified stance in upholding international law amid rising global geopolitical tensions. He stressed the need for regional autonomy, warning against the influence of rivalries between major powers. Ultimately, he advocated for a collaborative and stable ASEAN that prioritizes the welfare of its citizens and regional peace.