Indonesia will officially join the BRICS cooperation mechanism in January 2025, becoming the first Southeast Asian member of BRICS. Why does Indonesia want to join BRICS, and what are the considerations behind this decision? What expectations does Indonesia have as it becomes an official member of BRICS?
According to a report by China News Service, the primary consideration is diplomatic. Indonesian Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi stated at a press conference on the 10th that from expressing the desire to join BRICS at the BRICS summit in Kazan, Russia last October to Indonesia becoming an official member of BRICS this month, it took less than three months. However, discussions about joining BRICS had been underway even before President Prabowo's administration.
Marsudi mentioned that joining BRICS is a reflection of Indonesia's "free and active" foreign policy, which allows the country to establish relations with any nation or alliance while maintaining independence in pursuing national interests.
Indonesia's joining BRICS is not an isolated policy. Muhammad Khairul Rofiq of the University of Indonesia, an international relations expert, points out that Indonesia's membership in BRICS is part of its strategy to diversify partnerships.
Expanding Export Markets and Attracting Investment
Secondly, there are economic considerations. In recent years, Indonesia has actively participated in international multilateral mechanisms such as the G20, APEC, and RCEP, seeking new opportunities for economic development through a diversified foreign policy. The economic cooperation potential of BRICS is immense. Indonesia hopes to use this avenue to expand export markets, attract investment, and seek new technological cooperation to achieve sustainable economic growth.
"If you ask what benefits come from joining BRICS, it will expand our export markets," said Luhut Binsar Pandjaitan, the Chairman of the Indonesian National Economic Committee, when facing media questions.
Veronika Saraswati, President of the Indonesia-China Partnership Research Institute, said that by becoming an official BRICS member, Indonesia expects to gain more development opportunities and economic prospects. The Chairman of the Indonesian Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Arsyad Rasyid, also noted that this presents immense opportunities for Indonesia to expand trade and investment cooperation with BRICS countries.
Indonesian economist Ahmad stated that cooperation with BRICS countries will enable Indonesia to leverage the advantages of technology transfer, accelerate its industrialization process, and expand export markets, ultimately achieving the 8% economic growth target set by President Prabowo.
Gaining Greater Voice in Global Governance Issues
The Indonesian public has high expectations for the country's performance on the international stage. By participating in the global cooperation framework of BRICS, Indonesia aspires to gain greater voice in global governance issues. Domestic factors also play a part in this consideration.
Upon joining BRICS, Indonesia will collaborate with major emerging economies such as China, India, Russia, Brazil, and South Africa. This not only enhances its voice in global governance and international negotiations but also supports advocating more for the interests of developing countries.
Strengthening Indonesia's International Influence
Finally, there are strategic considerations. Wijayanto Samirin, an economist from Paramadina University, believes that joining BRICS is an important step for Indonesia to strengthen its international influence and consolidate its strategic position, which will effectively enhance Indonesia's position in international negotiations.
The Indonesian Ministry of Foreign Affairs recently issued a statement indicating that Indonesia's official entry into the BRICS cooperation mechanism reflects its increasingly active role in global affairs and highlights its steadfast commitment to promoting a more inclusive and equitable global order through multilateral cooperation.