Indonesia Takes Bold Step, Joins BRICS Bloc
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In a move signifying a significant shift in its foreign policy, Indonesia has officially become a new member of BRICS, the emerging economic bloc comprised of Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa.
this decision, announced on November 1, 2024, marks a departure from the approach of previous administrations. During former President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo’s tenure, Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi had focused on integrating Indonesia’s economy wiht Western institutions, notably seeking membership in the OECD.
Indonesia’s new President, Prabowo Subianto, has chosen a different path.
As Foreign Minister Sugiono explained, joining BRICS aligns with Indonesia’s longstanding “free and active” foreign policy, allowing the nation to collaborate widely without becoming overly reliant on any single power bloc.
“For Sugiono, joining BRICS means paving the way to advance the new government’s goals of food security, energy independence, poverty alleviation, and human capital development. The bloc offers access to funding, technology, and trade opportunities to tackle key challenges in those sectors. BRICS, with its emphasis on fairness and cooperation, supports Indonesia’s vision for a more inclusive and enduring future.”
Realigning Strategies
The shift from an OECD focus to a BRICS alignment reflects two key objectives for Indonesia.
Firstly, Indonesia is reassessing its strategic position as Southeast Asia’s leading economy. Secondly, the country is moving from a non-alignment stance to a multi-alignment strategy, seeking to balance conventional alliances with emerging partnerships.
Joining BRICS allows Indonesia to amplify its influence within existing relationships and unlock new opportunities for collaboration beyond bilateral agreements.
Regional Dynamics and “Fear of Missing Out”
Indonesia’s decision to join BRICS is influenced by a complex interplay of regional and global factors.
Neighboring countries Malaysia and Thailand have also expressed interest in joining the bloc, creating a sense of competition within Southeast Asia. Indonesia’s move secures its leading position in the region and prevents other Southeast Asian nations from potentially shaping the bloc’s agenda.
Through ASEAN, Indonesia has long acted as a regional stabilizing force and mediator amid rising tensions between the West and China. Indonesia has historically championed initiatives like the South China Sea Code of Conduct and Myanmar’s peace process, and its G20 presidency further solidified its role as a global mediator.This “fear of missing out” has played a significant role in Indonesia’s decision to join BRICS ahead of its regional peers.
A Multifaceted Approach
Indonesia’s BRICS membership declaration underscores the new administration’s enterprising foreign policy aspirations. These include adopting a multi-alignment strategy and strengthening its ”good neighbor” policy.
prabowo Subianto envisions Indonesia engaging with all nations while remaining steadfast in its commitment to regional stability and cooperation.
Joining BRICS is a bold move for Indonesia, offering a platform to advance its interests on the global stage and shaping a future where it plays a central role in shaping international affairs.
Indonesia Joins BRICS: A Strategic Shift in Foreign Policy
Indonesia’s recent accession to BRICS, the bloc of emerging economies, signals a significant shift in the nation’s foreign policy approach. While traditionally adhering to a non-alignment principle,Indonesia recognizes the need for a more flexible strategy in today’s complex geopolitical landscape. Minister of Defense Prabowo Subianto’s leadership has emphasized fostering kind relations with all nations while opposing oppression. This aligns with Indonesia’s historical commitment to sovereignty and equality on the global stage. His “good neighbor policy” strengthens ties with developing nations, advocating for a fairer global economic order and a system that empowers the Global South. Joining BRICS allows Indonesia to diversify its partnerships and avoid aligning itself exclusively with any single power bloc. This multi-aligned approach enables Indonesia to actively participate in discussions on crucial issues like multilateral reform and economic development. “Indonesia’s participation in BRICS underscores our commitment to building strong partnerships,” stated Sugiono,Indonesia’s Deputy Foreign Minister,during the BRICS summit in Kazan. Moreover, this move doesn’t mean Indonesia is turning its back on other alliances.Prabowo’s vision encompasses a dual-track strategy that values the benefits of both BRICS and the OECD. The OECD remains a long-term objective for Indonesia, offering a pathway to enhance economic governance and regulatory standards within the Western economic framework. This dual-track approach solidifies Indonesia’s position as a bridge between developed and developing nations, maximizing the advantages offered by both alliances while retaining its autonomy. Indonesia’s decision to join BRICS represents a pivotal moment in its foreign policy, positioning the nation as a key player in shaping the future of the global economy and international relations. By embracing this multi-polar world order, Indonesia demonstrates its commitment to being a dynamic and independent force on the world stage.## Indonesia’s Bold Move: Joining BRICS
**Interview with Dr. Ani Lestari, Senior Researcher at the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS)**
**Intro**
Welcome to archyde, I’m [your Name], and today we’re discussing Indonesia’s recent decision to join BRICS with Dr. Ani Lestari, a leading expert on Southeast Asian Geopolitics at the CSIS. Dr. Lestari, welcome to the show.
**Dr. Lestari:** It’s a pleasure to be here.
**[Your Name]:** Indonesia’s entry into BRICS marks a important shift in its foreign policy.What were the key factors driving this decision?
**Dr. Lestari:** Several factors contributed to Indonesia’s move. Firstly, it reflects a strategic realignment under President Prabowo Subianto. The previous administration focused heavily on Western integration, but Subianto’s team is taking a multi-alignment approach, balancing customary alliances with emerging partnerships like BRICS.
Secondly, Indonesia sees BRICS as a platform to advance its development goals. Addressing food security, achieving energy independence, tackling poverty, and investing in human capital are key priorities for the new government.BRICS offers access to funding, technology, and trade opportunities crucial to achieving these goals.
Thirdly, there’s a strong regional dynamic at play. Other Southeast Asian nations like malaysia and Thailand are also considering joining BRICS. Indonesia preemptively secured its leading position within the bloc to ensure its voice is heard and its interests are represented.
**[Your Name]:** You mentioned “fear of missing out”. How significant is regional competition in this decision?
**Dr. Lestari:** It’s definately a factor.Indonesia has long been a stabilizing force in Southeast Asia, mediating disputes and promoting regional cooperation through ASEAN. By joining BRICS, Indonesia ensures it remains at the forefront of regional geopolitics and can shape the bloc’s agenda, preventing other Southeast asian nations from potentially dominating it.
**[Your Name]:** How does Indonesia’s membership in BRICS impact its relationship with the West, especially considering Indonesia’s longstanding “free and active” foreign policy?
**Dr. Lestari:** Indonesia’s “free and active” foreign policy allows for multi-alignment. Joining BRICS doesn’t mean abandoning ties with the West. It simply provides Indonesia with more options and adaptability in pursuing its national interests. Indonesia can collaborate with both BRICS and Western countries on issues of mutual concern, like climate change or global pandemic preparedness.
**[Your Name]:** What are the potential challenges and benefits of Indonesia’s BRICS membership?
**Dr. Lestari:** One benefit is increased access to investments, technology, and trade opportunities, particularly for Indonesia’s infrastructure development and economic diversification. BRICS membership can also boost Indonesia’s political clout on the global stage.
However, challenges exist. Balancing relationships with BRICS members, some of whom have strained ties with the West, will require careful diplomacy. Indonesia must also ensure that BRICS aligns with its values and principles, particularly regarding democracy and human rights.
**[Your Name]:** What shoudl we expect to see in the coming years regarding Indonesia’s role within BRICS?
**dr. Lestari:** Indonesia will likely take an active role in shaping BRICS initiatives and advocating for issues important to Southeast Asia. We can anticipate increased cooperation in areas like trade, investment, and infrastructure development.
Ultimately, Indonesia’s joining BRICS reflects its desire to chart an self-reliant course on the world stage, forging partnerships that serve its national interests while navigating a complex and ever-evolving geopolitical landscape.
**[Your Name]:** Thank you, Dr.Lestari, for your insightful analysis.
**Outro**
And that wraps up our interview with Dr. Ani Lestari. We hope you found this discussion insightful. For more news and analysis on Indonesia and the Asia-Pacific region, visit Archyde.com.
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