25-10-2024 (JAKARTA) Indonesia has initiated steps to join BRICS, marking a significant diplomatic move by Southeast Asia’s largest economy and signalling a potential shift in global economic alliances. The announcement, made at the 4th BRICS Plus Summit in Kazan, represents the first major foreign policy decision under newly-installed President Prabowo Subianto’s administration.
Foreign Affairs Minister Sugiono, addressing the summit on Thursday, characterised BRICS as the “right vehicle” for advancing Global South interests, emphasising that membership would align with Indonesia’s core priorities of food security, energy independence, poverty reduction, and human capital development.
Lihat postingan ini di Instagram
The minister stressed that the move reflects Indonesia’s commitment to an independent foreign policy, stating: “Joining BRICS is a manifestation of Indonesia’s free and active foreign policy.” This strategic decision comes as the BRICS bloc – currently comprising Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa – seeks to establish itself as an alternative to Western-dominated international institutions.
Indonesia’s potential membership would significantly boost BRICS’s global influence, particularly in Southeast Asia, where other nations including Thailand and Malaysia have also expressed interest in joining. The development carries particular weight given Indonesia’s position as the world’s most populous Muslim nation and its significant economic footprint in the region.
During the summit, Indonesia also took a strong stance on the Middle East crisis, calling for an immediate ceasefire and expressing solidarity with Palestine and Lebanon. “Indonesia cannot remain silent while these atrocities continue without anyone being held accountable,” Sugiono declared.
Despite this pivot towards BRICS, Indonesian officials emphasised their commitment to maintaining engagement across multiple international forums. The country continues its accession process for the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), and President Prabowo is scheduled to attend the G20 Summit in Brazil this November.
The summit, themed “BRICS and the Global South: Building a Better World Together,” also saw discussion of Russia’s proposal for an alternative international payments platform designed to circumvent Western sanctions, highlighting the bloc’s growing ambition to reshape global financial architecture.
