Indonesia has expressed its desire to join BRICS, marking the beginning of the process for Indonesia to become member of the intergovernmental organization pioneered by Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa.
The announcement was made by Minister of Foreign Affairs Sugiono during the BRICS Plus Summit held in Kazan, Rusia on October 22-24, 2024. Sugiono attended the Summit as Special Envoy of Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto.
Sugiono delivered the President’s message emphasizing anti-colonialism and anti-oppression. He particularly underscored Indonesia’s solidarity and commitment to global peace, highlighting the ongoing crises in Palestine and Lebanon.
“Indonesia cannot remain silent while these atrocities continue without impunity,” the Indonesian foreign minister said in a statement as quoted on Friday, October 25, 2024.
“Indonesia called for a ceasefire, the enforcement of international law, and the importance of sustained support for Gaza’s recovery,” he added.
Furthermore, Sugiono proposed several measures to strengthen cooperation between BRICS and the Global South.
First, upholding the right of developing countries to development; developing countries need policy space, while advanced economies must honor their commitments.
Second, reforming the multilateral system to be more inclusive, representative, and aligned with current realities. International institutions must be strengthened and adequately resourced to fulfill their mandates.
Lastly, BRICS has to be a force for unity and solidarity among the Global South. BRICS can be a unifying platform to strengthen cooperation among developing countries.
“Indonesia’s decision to apply for BRICS membership is a manifestation of our free and active foreign policy,” Sugiono said.
“We also view that BRICS’ priorities are in line with programs of the new government of Indonesia, including food and energy security, poverty eradication, and human resource development,” he added.
By joining BRICS, Indonesia seeks to elevate the common interests of developing countries or the Global South.
“We view BRICS as the right platform to discuss and advance the shared interests of the Global South,” Sugiono noted.
“However, we will also maintain our engagement with other forums and continue discussions with developed countries,” he remarked.
As an example of this continuity, Sugiono said, the Indonesian president will attend the G20 Summit held in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, next month. Meanwhile, Sugiono has been invited to participate in the expanded session of the G7 Foreign Ministers’ meeting in Fiuggi, Italy.
“This underscores Indonesia’s important role as a bridge builder between developing and developed countries,” the Indonesian FM said.
During the Summit, Sugiono had the opportunity to hold bilateral meetings, particularly with Russia’s Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov as host of the Summit, as well as leaders of other countries and institutions, including PLO Secretary-General and Foreign Ministers of China, India, and Thailand, Economic Minister of Malaysia, and President of the New Development Bank.
He also held introductory phone discussions with Foreign Ministers of Singapore and Cambodia.
BRICS is an informal group initially consisting of Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa. It was first initiated in 2006 to discuss current global issues. Its membership expanded in 2023 with the inclusion of Ethiopia, Iran, Egypt, and the United Arab Emirates.
