On October 24, Indonesia - Southeast Asia's largest economy - expressed its desire to join BRICS group of major emerging economies. Accordingly, Indonesian Minister of Foreign Affairs spokeperson Roy Soemirat announced on October 31 that the country has submitted its application and is now awaiting a decision from current BRICS member.
 
This move is linked to recent changes in the Indonesian government. During the 2023 Summit in South Africa, all five BRICS countries endorsed Indonesia's accession. However, then-President Widodo did not see the urgency to join BRICS, possibily due to concerns about appearring too close to China, as suggested by Dr. Klaus Heinrich Raditio of Driyarkara School of Philosophy. President Prabowo Subianto, who assumed office on October 20, does not seem to share these concerns.
 
President Prabowo Subianto is pursuing a “less reserved" policy and aiming to strike a balance between strategic and economic interests, as well as a balance in Indonesia’s relations with Russia, China, and the West. However, Indonesia's BRICS application does not indicate alignment with China or Russia’s pespectives. Despite ongoing negotiations to join BRICS, tensions remain high as Indonesian patrol ships have clashed with Chinese coast guard vessels over waters where their maritime claims overlap. Dr. Shafiah Muhibat from the Indonesian Center for Strategic and International Studies emphasized Indonesia's dedication to preserving political security while nurturing economic relations with China, highlighting that Indonesia is actively working to ensure that political tensions do not adversely affect their economic partnerships.
 
The BRICS application also reflects Indonesia's development interests. President Prabowo Subianto's administration is facing various challanges such as food and energy insecurity, unemployment, environmental issues, and the rich-poor gap. According to Indonesian Foreign Minister Sugiono, BRICS aligns with President Prabowo's agenda on these issues. The new administration therefore sees BRICS membership as a way to address domestic challenges and promote trade and investment ties with BRICs members to materialize its committed 8% economic growth target.
 
Additionally, as a developing country and ASEAN key member state, Indonesia aims to utilize BRICS to bolster its influence on the international arena. BRICS includes major economies and plays a significant role in global affairs, thus joining the organization would enhance Indonesia's international status and allow the country to actively involve in global governance of issues such as climate change, regional security, and sustainable development. It would also provide greater access to financial resources and investment from BRICS member countries, thereby strengthening Indonesia's global position.
 
An original version of the article was published here
Translated and edited by NNHD