JAKARTA – Indonesia has formally expressed its intent to join the Brics group, aiming to boost its role in strengthening emerging economies, according to a statement from the country’s foreign ministry. The announcement came as Brics leaders gathered in Kazan for a summit, with Indonesia emphasizing the alignment of Brics with its independent-active foreign policy and long-standing non-aligned stance.
Foreign Minister Sugiono noted that the decision aligns with President Prabowo Subianto’s vision of Indonesia as an active participant in international forums without joining specific blocs. Sugiono stated that Brics supports Indonesia’s priorities, including food and energy security, poverty reduction, and human capital development.
While Brics members currently include Brazil, China, Russia, India, and recent additions such as Egypt, Ethiopia, and the UAE, Russia’s President Vladimir Putin has indicated that over 30 countries have expressed interest in joining. However, details on the Brics expansion process remain unclear.
International relations expert Professor Yohanes Sulaiman remarked that Indonesia’s Brics interest reflects a desire to stay relevant, even though similar benefits could be gained through bilateral relations. “It’s better to follow than to be left behind,” he said, indicating Indonesia’s balanced approach in foreign policy.
Additionally, Indonesia aims to complete its accession to the OECD within the next two to three years, potentially expanding its global influence. The Kazan summit focused on current global conflicts, including the situations in Ukraine and the Middle East, although no clear steps were announced toward resolving these issues.