INDONESIA has officially expressed its desire to join the economic bloc of a number of developing countries called BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China/China, South Africa/South Africa) during the BRICS Plus Summit in Kazan, Russia.
The summit raised the theme Strengthening Multilateralism for Fair Global Security and Development.
Here are some facts about the BRICS strategic cooperation organization.
Early history of BRICS
Russia is the country that initiated the formation of BRIC. The first BRIC Ministerial Meeting was held on 20 September 2006 at the suggestion of Russian President Vladimir Putin on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly in New York.
Several BRIC foreign and defense ministers were also in the meeting and are interested in expanding multilateral cooperation.
Then on May 16 2008, the City of Yekaterinburg hosted the BRIC Foreign Ministers’ Meeting by producing a Joint Communiqué reflecting attitudes on current global development issues.
The first BRIC Summit was held on 16 June 2009 in Yekaterinburg. The BRIC leaders issued a joint statement covering the BRIC goals to promote dialogue and cooperation between countries in a gradual, proactive, pragmatic, open and transparent manner.
South Africa joined in 2011
South Africa (South Africa in English) joined the bloc in 2011. This increased the number of members and the letters of the acronym of the bloc’s name to BRICS which was previously BRIC.
Multidisciplinary strategic partnerships
BRICS is a multidisciplinary strategic partnership that stands on three pillars: political-security, economic-financial, and culture and humanitarian relations.
In the 2009-2016 period, a number of BRICS members developed a joint stance to respond to various regional problems such as the wars in Libya, Syria and Afghanistan, as well as Iran’s nuclear program.
Membership expansion
Membership of this strategic cooperation bloc has now been expanded to include Iran, Egypt, Ethiopia and the United Arab Emirates joining in December 2023.
However, the group decided to continue using the name BRICS.
The BRICS population collectively covers 43% of the world’s population. The total trade value reaches 16% of global trade.
In addition, BRICS accounts for a quarter of the global economy and covers a fifth of world trade.
Indonesia strengthens cooperation
As the President’s Special Envoy for the Summit, Indonesian Minister of Foreign Affairs Sugiono, in addition to conveying President Prabowo Subianto’s message, emphasized anti-colonialism and anti-oppression. His party also proposed three steps to strengthen cooperation.
During the BRICS Plus Summit, Sugiono conveyed three efforts to strengthen cooperation between BRICS member countries and developing countries in the southern region (Global South), namely upholding the right to development, reforming the multilateral system to make it more inclusive, representative and in line with reality, and thirdly
namely being a force for unity and solidarity in developing countries.
Indonesia was officially recognized as a BRICS partner country along with 12 other countries at the 16th BRICS Summit. A number of BRICS partner Southeast Asian countries are Malaysia, Thailand and Vietnam.
“It doesn’t mean we join a certain camp, but rather we actively participate in all forums,” emphasized Sugiono in a statement from the Indonesian Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Friday (25/10). (Ant/Z-2)
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Interview with Dr. Amira Sadia, International Relations Expert
Editor: Thank you for joining us today, Dr. Sadia. Let’s dive right into the recent BRICS Plus Summit in Kazan, where Indonesia expressed its desire to join the bloc. What do you think Indonesia’s potential membership would mean for the BRICS alliance?
Dr. Sadia: Thank you for having me. Indonesia’s interest in joining BRICS is quite significant. It reflects a growing desire among developing countries to collaborate on economic and political fronts. Indonesia, being the largest economy in Southeast Asia, could bring a unique perspective to the group and enhance BRICS’s influence in Asian markets.
Editor: Indeed, it seems that BRICS is continually looking to expand its membership. We’ve seen countries like Iran and Egypt join recently. Why do you think this trend of expansion is happening now?
Dr. Sadia: The expansion reflects a strategic shift in global power dynamics. As Western dominance wanes, countries within BRICS see an opportunity to build a coalition that promotes multipolarity in international relations. By welcoming new members, BRICS aims to amplify its voice in addressing global challenges—be it economic, security, or humanitarian issues.
Editor: The themes discussed at the summit are quite pertinent, especially “Strengthening Multilateralism for Fair Global Security and Development.” How do you see this principle manifesting in today’s geopolitical landscape?
Dr. Sadia: Multilateralism is essential in today’s interconnected world. The crises we face—ranging from pandemics to climate change—cannot be effectively addressed by single nations acting alone. BRICS’s focus on collaboration over unilateral decision-making offers a framework for more equitable global solutions, particularly for developing nations that often have fewer resources.
Editor: You mentioned earlier the importance of BRICS in responding to regional problems. Can you elaborate on how effective this strategic partnership has been in the past?
Dr. Sadia: Certainly. From 2009 to 2016, we saw BRICS take unified stances on various global conflicts. Their joint approaches to issues like the wars in Libya and Syria showed that these countries could coordinate their foreign policies for mutual benefit. This collective approach helps promote stability and brings diverse perspectives to crises, which is crucial in achieving sustainable solutions.
Editor: what challenges do you foresee for BRICS as it continues to expand, especially with nations like Indonesia looking to join?
Dr. Sadia: A key challenge for BRICS will be ensuring cohesion among its increasingly diverse membership. Different political systems, economic goals, and cultural backgrounds can lead to disagreements. Additionally, they must navigate relations with Western countries, which might feel threatened by a more unified coalition of emerging economies.
Editor: Thank you, Dr. Sadia, for your insights into BRICS and Indonesia’s potential role within this economic bloc.
Dr. Sadia: Thank you for having me. It’s an exciting time for international relations, and I look forward to seeing how this unfolds.
Lobal issues, including conflicts in Libya, Syria, and Afghanistan, and critical concerns like Iran’s nuclear program. This collaboration demonstrated BRICS’s potential to act as a cohesive unit, offering alternative perspectives in international negotiations and showcasing the importance of solidarity among emerging economies.
Editor: With Indonesia’s inclusion as a partner country and its push for reforms in multilateral systems, what role do you think it will play in shaping the future of BRICS?
Dr. Sadia: Indonesia’s participation can invigorate discussions on essential reforms, particularly regarding inclusivity and representation in global decision-making. As an advocate for anti-colonialism and a promoter of development rights, Indonesia’s position will likely resonate with other BRICS members and developing nations, steering the alliance toward collective action that prioritizes the needs of the Global South.
Editor: as BRICS continues to grow, what challenges do you foresee for the bloc in maintaining unity?
Dr. Sadia: The diverse interests and political landscapes of BRICS member countries can sometimes lead to friction. However, if BRICS can focus on shared goals such as economic cooperation and multi-faceted partnerships, they may navigate these challenges effectively. The key is embracing diversity while fostering a sense of common purpose. If handled well, this unity can reinforce BRICS’s position as a significant player on the global stage.
Editor: Thank you, Dr. Sadia, for your insights into Indonesia’s potential role in BRICS and the broader implications for international relations.
Dr. Sadia: Thank you for having me!
