Indonesia officially conveyed the desire to join as a member of the Brits Block. This was conveyed by the Indonesian Minister of Foreign Affairs (Foreign Minister) Sugiono in the BRICS Plus High Level Conference (Summit) in Kazan, Russia. Through the announcement on Thursday (10/24/2024), the Indonesian process to join as a member of BRICS led by Russia has begun.
“The joining of Indonesia to BRICS is a manifestation of an active -free foreign policy. It does not mean that we join certain camps, but we actively participate in all forums,” Sugiono said, quoted Friday (10/25/2024).
“We also see the priority of BRICS in harmony with the Red and White Cabinet work program, among others related to food and energy security, eradication of poverty or the promotion of human resources,” he added.
In addition, Sugiono also proposed a few concrete steps to strengthen BRICS and Global South Cooperation. There are at least three points delivered.
First, uphold the right to sustainable development, where developing countries need policy space, while developed countries must meet their commitment. Second, supports the reform of multilateral systems to be more inclusive, representative, and in accordance with current reality. International institutions must be strengthened and have adequate resources to meet their mandate. Third, it becomes a force for unity and solidarity among the Global South countries. BRICS is felt to be able to function as an adhesive to strengthen cooperation among developing countries.
“We see BRICS can be the right vehicle to discuss and advance the shared interests of South Global,” said Sugiono. “But we also continue our involvement or engagement in other forums, as well as continuing discussions with developed countries.”
Indonesia has previously been recognized as one of the 13 BRICS countries. Besides Indonesia, 12 other countries are Algeria, Belarus, Bolivia, Cuba, Kazakhstan, Malaysia, Nigeria, Thailand, Turkey, Uganda, Uzbekistan, and Vietnam.
BRICS itself is only allowed to be involved and participate selectively in BRICS matters. They remain participants in other international initiatives but without full commitment to the block. The new BRICS partner does have the potential to become a full member in the future. But they were not immediately inaugurated for certain reasons that were only known by the Block of the leadership of Vladimir Putin.
BRICS is an informal group that initially consists of Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa. This group was first initiated in 2006 to discuss the latest global issues. Its membership was expanded in 2023 with the joining of Ethiopia, Iran, Egypt, and the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
International Business and Trade Law Expert, Ariawan Gunadi assessed that by joining BRICS Indonesia could expand its export market. This decision, he said, could be an alternative when some of Indonesia’s superior products get export obstacles to Europe. Joining BRICS Indonesia can also get access to investment and funding infrastructure projects. According to him, access to funding can occur because BRICS has its own financial institution, namely New Development Bank (NDB). In addition, Indonesia can take advantage of its comparative advantage compared to other members. According to him, Indonesia can also rearrange its international trade policies and strengthen its diplomatic role.
October 25, 2024, CNBC Indonesia
(https://www.cnbcindonesia.com/news/20241025141434-4-583071/untung-buntung-indonesia-masuk-geng-rusia-china)
(https://www.cnbcindonesia.com/news/20241025115442-4-583021/ri-resmi-daftar-keanggotaan-brics-satukan-kekuatan-dengan-rusia-china)