Indonesia has expressed its desire to join BRICS, a group which accounts for 35% of global economic output, as a means to strengthen emerging countries, its foreign ministry said in a statement.
The announcement comes as BRICS leaders gathered this week for a summit in Kazan.
“Indonesia joining BRICS is a manifestation of its independent-active foreign policy,” said Sugiono, the newly appointed foreign minister, who like many Indonesians goes by one name. “That does not mean we join a certain bloc, but we actively participate in every forum.”
On Thursday, Indonesia’s foreign ministry confirmed that the process of joining the group, which currently includes Brazil, China, Egypt, Ethiopia, India, Iran, Russia, South Africa, and the United Arab Emirates, has officially begun.
Indonesia, the world’s fourth most populous country, maintains a non-aligned stance in international relations.
President Prabowo Subianto, who assumed office just days ago, emphasized that Indonesia’s foreign policy will remain neutral.
He stated that the nation will continue to engage with all global powers, including both China and the United States, without joining any military alliances.
Sugiono, a member of the Indonesian government, highlighted that BRICS aligns with President Prabowo’s primary goals—namely, enhancing food and energy security, eradicating poverty, and advancing human resources.
He described the BRICS group as a strategic platform for advancing the interests of the Global South.
Russian President Vladimir Putin noted that over 30 countries have shown interest in joining BRICS, though details about potential expansion remain unclear.
The move has prompted mixed reactions. Yohanes Sulaiman, a professor of international relations at Jenderal Achmad Yani University, questioned the benefits of joining BRICS, suggesting that Indonesia could achieve similar advantages through bilateral agreements.
However, he acknowledged that Indonesia’s decision reflects a desire to stay competitive on the global stage. “It’s better to follow than to be left behind,” Sulaiman said, while noting that this move does not necessarily signal a shift in Indonesia’s foreign policy towards the East.
Earlier this year, before President Prabowo’s inauguration, Indonesia announced its intention to join the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), with plans to finalize its membership within the next two to three years.
This dual-track approach underscores Indonesia’s ambition to expand its economic and diplomatic reach, attracting more investment and trade from both the West and the East.
