Hassan Magulumali
Indonesia has formally expressed its intention to join the BRICS group of emerging economies, a move aimed at advancing the domestic economic agenda of President Prabowo Subianto.
The announcement marks the first major foreign policy initiative under Subianto’s administration
Newly appointed Indonesian Foreign Minister Sugiono shared the news during the BRICS annual summit. He emphasized that the decision aligns with Indonesia’s “active and free foreign policy” and avoids alignment with any specific bloc. “It does not mean that we are joining a certain camp, but we actively participate in all forums,” Sugiono said, according to the Jakarta Globe.
This announcement follows a year after former President Joko Widodo opted not to pursue BRICS membership. Subianto’s administration now prioritizes fostering global partnerships, reflected in the leader’s pledge to adopt a “good neighbor policy.” During his inauguration, he invoked the philosophy of “having a thousand friends is too few, one enemy is too many,” underscoring Indonesia’s intent to strengthen ties with all nations while maintaining anti-colonial principles.
Sugiono noted that BRICS’ strategic priorities, including food and energy security, poverty eradication, and human capital development, align closely with Indonesia’s domestic agenda. As BRICS expands, having recently admitted countries such as Saudi Arabia, Iran, and Ethiopia, Indonesia sees an opportunity to further its economic and geopolitical interests.
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Indonesia, alongside Malaysia, Vietnam, and Thailand, was recently recognized as a partner country of BRICS. This designation is seen as a step toward full membership, joining other nations such as Algeria, Nigeria, and Uzbekistan. Currently, BRICS nations represent 28% of the global economy, offering a promising platform for member states to strengthen their economic and diplomatic influence.
Neighboring nations like Malaysia and Thailand have already submitted formal applications for membership. Malaysia’s Economy Minister Rafizi Ramli highlighted the nation’s goals of enhancing trade and fostering economic growth through BRICS, while Thailand views the grouping as a means to elevate its global role and economic opportunities.
Vietnam, though not yet an applicant, expressed readiness to collaborate with BRICS countries to build a better global future. Meanwhile, Western analysts remain skeptical about BRICS’ cohesion and question the tangible benefits for new members.
For Indonesia, the decision represents a strategic balancing act, allowing it to navigate growing geopolitical tensions between major powers while maintaining non-alignment. By pursuing BRICS membership, Indonesia aims to strengthen its economic foundation and reinforce its role in shaping a multipolar global order.
