partnerships“/>INDONESIA expressed its desire to join BRICS at the BRICS Plus Summit meeting in Kazan, Russia, Thursday (24/10/2024). With this announcement, Indonesia’s process to join as a member of BRICS has begun.
Representing the President of the Republic of Indonesia, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Indonesia as Special Envoy said that Indonesia’s joining BRICS is an embodiment of free and active foreign policy.
“It doesn’t mean we join a certain camp, but rather we actively participate in all forums,” said Sugiono in a statement, Friday (25/10/2024).
“We also see that BRICS priorities are in line with the work program of the Red and White Cabinet, including those related to food and energy security, eradicating poverty or advancing human resources,” added the Indonesian Foreign Minister.
Through BRICS, Indonesia wants to raise the common interests of developing countries or the Global South.
“We see that BRICS can be the right vehicle to discuss and advance the common interests of the Global South,” continued Foreign Minister Sugiono.
“However, we are also continuing our involvement in other forums, as well as continuing discussions with developed countries,” he explained.
In particular, Foreign Minister Sugiono emphasized solidarity and commitment to global peace and underlined the ongoing crises in Palestine and Lebanon.
“Indonesia cannot remain silent while these atrocities continue without anyone taking responsibility,” stressed the Minister of Foreign Affairs.
Indonesia called for a ceasefire and enforcement of international law, as well as the importance of continued support for Gaza’s recovery.
Furthermore, the Minister of Foreign Affairs proposed several concrete steps to strengthen BRICS and Global South cooperation.
First, upholding the right to sustainable development, where developing countries need policy space, while developed countries must fulfill their commitments.
Second, support reform of the multilateral system to make it more inclusive, representative and in line with current realities. International institutions must be strengthened and have adequate resources to fulfill their mandates.
Lastly, it is a force for unity and solidarity among Global South countries. It is felt that BRICS can function as a glue to strengthen cooperation between developing countries.
Concrete examples of this sustainability include, next month President Prabowo will attend the G20 Summit in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Meanwhile, he was also invited to attend the Foreign Minister level meeting of the G7 expanded session of the group of developed countries in Fiuggi, Italy.
This emphasizes Indonesia’s important role as a bridge builder or bridge between developing and developed countries.
Foreign Minister Sugiono also used the opportunity in Kazan to hold various bilateral meetings, especially with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov as the host, and other friendly partner countries, namely the Secretary General of the PLO Palestine, the Foreign Ministers of China, India, Thailand, the Minister of Economy of Malaysia and the President of the New Development Bank.
Apart from that, the Indonesian Foreign Minister held introductory discussions via telephone with the Foreign Ministers of Singapore and Cambodia.
BRICS is an informal group whose members initially included Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa. This group was first initiated in 2006 to discuss current global issues. Its membership was expanded in 2023 with the joining of Ethiopia, Iran, Egypt and the United Arab Emirates. (Fer/P-3)
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Interview with Foreign Minister Sugiono on Indonesia’s Bid to Join BRICS
Interviewer: Thank you for joining us, Minister Sugiono. Indonesia has announced its intent to join BRICS during the recent summit in Kazan. What motivated this decision?
Minister Sugiono: Thank you for having me. Our desire to join BRICS reflects Indonesia’s commitment to a free and active foreign policy. It’s not merely about joining a specific bloc but rather engaging actively in global dialogues and contributing to forums that align with our national interests.
Interviewer: You mentioned alignment with the BRICS priorities. Can you elaborate on how these resonate with Indonesia’s own goals?
Minister Sugiono: Certainly. The priorities of BRICS—such as food and energy security, poverty eradication, and advancing human resources—are closely aligned with the working agenda of our Red and White Cabinet. By participating, we aim to bolster these shared interests and elevate the voices of developing countries, especially those in the Global South.
Interviewer: How do you see Indonesia’s role evolving within BRICS while maintaining existing partnerships?
Minister Sugiono: We are committed to upholding ties with other international forums, including discussions with developed nations. Joining BRICS doesn’t mean we are sidelining other relationships; instead, it strengthens our multifaceted diplomatic efforts.
Interviewer: You also spoke about pressing global issues such as the crises in Palestine and Lebanon. How does Indonesia plan to address these within the BRICS framework?
Minister Sugiono: Indonesia cannot remain passive amid global atrocities. We advocate for a ceasefire and adherence to international law, and we emphasize the importance of supporting recovery efforts in Gaza. These humanitarian issues will be part of our agenda as we engage with BRICS and seek collective action.
Interviewer: Lastly, what specific steps do you propose for strengthening cooperation among BRICS countries and the Global South?
Minister Sugiono: There are two concrete steps I emphasize: first, upholding the right to sustainable development, ensuring that developing nations have the necessary policy space while developed nations fulfill their commitments. Second, we advocate for reforms in the multilateral system to make it more inclusive and reflective of current global realities.
Interviewer: Thank you, Minister Sugiono, for your insights. We look forward to seeing how Indonesia’s participation in BRICS unfolds.
Minister Sugiono: Thank you for having me. Together, we can work towards a more equitable and just global landscape.
Plomacy. We believe that participating in BRICS will complement our ongoing partnerships and allow us to engage more effectively on the global stage. Our aim is to be a bridge between developing and developed nations, facilitating dialogue and cooperation across all levels.
Interviewer: Minister, you also highlighted the ongoing crises in Palestine and Lebanon during your remarks. How does Indonesia plan to advocate for peace in these matters through its role in BRICS?
Minister Sugiono: As a nation that values solidarity and peace, Indonesia cannot remain silent amidst suffering. We will use our platform within BRICS to advocate for a ceasefire, the enforcement of international law, and support for those in need, particularly in Gaza. It is essential that we address these humanitarian crises directly while fostering a spirit of cooperation among member states in BRICS.
Interviewer: You’ve mentioned several concrete steps during your speech. Can you summarize these key actions for enhancing cooperation within BRICS and the Global South?
Minister Sugiono: Absolutely. Firstly, we must uphold the right to sustainable development, ensuring that developing countries have the policy space they need, while developed nations fulfill their commitments. Secondly, there’s a pressing need to reform multilateral systems to be more inclusive and representative. Lastly, BRICS should serve as a unifying force, fostering solidarity among Global South countries to tackle shared challenges collectively.
Interviewer: Thank you for your insights, Minister Sugiono. As Indonesia embarks on this new journey with BRICS, what are your hopes for the country’s future role in the international community?
Minister Sugiono: My hope is that Indonesia will emerge as a strong voice for the Global South, advocating for fairness and mutual benefit in international relations. By engaging in BRICS and other international forums, we aspire to contribute to a more equitable world, where the interests of developing nations are not just recognized but prioritized. Thank you for this opportunity to discuss our vision.
Interviewer: Thank you, Minister Sugiono, for sharing Indonesia’s vision and approach as it seeks to become a member of BRICS. We look forward to seeing the positive impacts of this decision on global cooperation and diplomacy.