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On 6 January 2025, Indonesia became the tenth full member of BRICS. President Prabowo Subianto moved quickly after his October 2024 inauguration, departing from the more cautious approach taken by his predecessor, Joko Widodo. Jakarta framed the decision as consistent with Indonesia’s long standing bebas aktif foreign policy principle, emphasizing the country’s effort to maintain strategic autonomy while engaging a diverse set of global partners. The move nonetheless generated significant debate across academic, policy, and media circles in Indonesia and abroad, with observers offering sharply different interpretations of what membership in BRICS may mean for Indonesia’s foreign policy trajectory.

To capture these discussions, Foreign Policy Talks has compiled 38 opinion articles and analyses addressing Indonesia’s entry into BRICS. The sources draw from think tanks, universities, policy institutes, and media outlets in both English and Bahasa Indonesia. For clarity, the perspectives below are organized into two broad positions, those that view Indonesia’s membership as a strategic opportunity and those that raise concerns about its implications for Indonesia’s diplomacy, economic interests, and relations with other partners.

Indonesia Joins BRICS+

Agastya Wardhana
Lecturer, Department of International Relations, Universitas Airlangga

Radityo Dharmaputra
Lecturer, Department of International Relations, Universitas Airlangga

Agastya Wardhana and Radityo Dharmaputra argues that President Prabowo Subianto's rapid push to join BRICS marks a stark departure from the pragmatic, economy-first diplomacy of his predecessor, Joko Widodo. Instead, the move is diagnosed as pure "status-seeking behavior." Viewing global geopolitics through a hierarchical, military lens, Prabowo believes Indonesia's current "middle power" status is insufficient. By joining elite groups and aggressively courting leaders like Xi Jinping and Donald Trump, he seeks to project symbolic equality on the main global stage. However, the authors warns that this impulsive, visibility-driven foreign policy frequently bypasses experienced diplomats and risks severe overreach. By prioritizing the limelight of a China-and-Russia-dominated bloc, Jakarta risks alienating Western partners and losing its strategic neutrality

"What BRICS Membership Means For Indonesia’s Foreign Policy"

The Diplomat · 24 January 2025

Ahmad Rizky M. Umar
Marie-Curie Postdoctoral Fellow,
Aberystwyth University

Ahmad Rizky M. Umar argues that President Prabowo Subianto's ambitious shift from traditional non-alignment to a "multi-alignment" strategy is a highly risky maneuver that severely overextends the nation's limited diplomatic and economic capabilities. While Prabowo justifies simultaneous engagements with BRICS and the Trump administration as a pragmatic "good neighbor" policy, Umar warns this approach invites coercion from great powers without yielding the tangible benefits of true alliances, such as military technology transfers. He cautions that this hyperactive diplomacy risks institutional fatigue, alienates regional partners, and critically weakens Jakarta's capacity to lead ASEAN through complex crises in the South China Sea and Myanmar.

"Indonesia’s multi-alignment
dilemma under Prabowo"

The Interpreter · 12 January 2026

Aniello Ianonne
Lecturer,Department of Political Science and Government, Diponegoro University

Aniello Iannone argues that Indonesia and its regional neighbors risk becoming mere diplomatic ornaments within an organization structurally dominated by Beijing and Moscow. He cautions that while the rhetoric of Global South solidarity is appealing, the reality of membership threatens to erode the strategic autonomy and regional cohesion of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations. Ultimately, he warns that without significant internal reform within the bloc, engaging too deeply could force Jakarta into a geopolitical trap that simply replaces Western dominance with new dependencies.

"ASEAN risks becoming window
dressing in a BRICS expansion"

The Interpreter · 18 Juy 2025

Dominique Fraser
Research and Program Officer, Asia Society Policy Institute in Australia.

Premesha Saha
Maitri Fellow, Asia Society Australia

Dominique Fraser and Premesha Saha argue that Indonesia joining the BRICS coalition is a highly questionable maneuver where the geopolitical risks far outweigh the overstated economic benefits. They contend that instead of acting as a neutral bridge, Jakarta risks being drawn deeper into the sphere of influence of Beijing and stretching its diplomatic resources too thin, which could compromise its regional leadership within the Association of Southeast Asian Nations. Ultimately, the authors conclude that Indonesia has taken on an excessive burden by entering a deeply fragmented bloc that increasingly opposes the West, securing very few tangible gains in the process.

"Indonesia in BRICS:
New Chapter or Familiar Story"

9DASHLINE · 9 March 2025

Juergen Rueland
Professor Emeritus, Department of Political Science, University of Freiburg

Juergen Rueland argues that the previous administration correctly prioritized strategic autonomy over accession to preserve its free and active foreign policy doctrine. He asserts that joining would have signaled a dangerous pivot toward a Sino Russian geopolitical camp, thereby jeopardizing relations with the West and complicating OECD membership aspirations. Furthermore, Rueland highlights that domestic economic policymakers remained highly skeptical of the New Development Bank compared to established Western financial institutions. He concludes that the diplomatic burdens of managing the alignment simply outweighed the economic promises, especially since Jakarta already secured massive trade volumes with Beijing bilaterally.

"Why Indonesia chose autonomy
over BRICS membership"

East Asia Forum · 25 October 2023

Ahmad Rizky M. Umar
Marie-Curie Postdoctoral Fellow,
Aberystwyth University

Ahmad Rizky M Umar argues that during the Joko Widodo administration, joining BRICS presented a severe diplomatic dilemma with few tangible economic incentives. He asserts that in 2023, the geopolitical risks of taking sides and alienating Western partners heavily outweighed the immediate benefits of South to South cooperation. However, in a highly prescient observation, Umar predicted that the domestic calculus would likely shift under a new leader like Prabowo Subianto, who would view the bloc as a vital instrument for amplifying the nation's voice on the global stage.

"Another BRIC in the wall?
Indonesia’s BRICS dilemma"

Indonesia at Melbourne · 20 September 2023

Anum Intan Maulidi
Junior Supervisor, Ministry of Finance of the Republic of Indonesia

Virdika Rizky Utama
Executive Director, PARA Syndicate

Anum Intan Maulidi and Virdika Rizky Utama argues that acceding to BRICS is a highly risky maneuver that threatens Indonesian economic sovereignty and geopolitical neutrality. Although there are theoretical market opportunities, the author highlights the destructive reality of existing engagements with BRICS nations. Specifically, the analysis points to the decimation of the domestic textile industry by cheap Chinese imports and the environmental degradation caused by foreign owned nickel smelters. The author warns that aligning with a revisionist bloc will likely strain vital Western partnerships and fracture ASEAN unity. Ultimately, the text cautions that without stringent regulatory protections to prevent capital flight and unfair trade practices, the accession may amount to mere political theatrics that drain domestic resources.

"Indonesia’s BRICS Bet"

StratSea · 14 November 2024

Dinna Prapto Raharja
Founder, Synergy Policy

Dinna Prapto Raharja views Indonesia joining BRICS with deep skepticism, arguing it serves only as a short term solution for exporting raw commodities and simple manufacturing. She warns that the bloc fundamentally lacks the rigorous human rights and environmental standards necessary to drive meaningful domestic reform. To achieve true economic transformation and attract high value technological investment, Raharja contends that Jakarta must prioritize adopting OECD regulatory frameworks rather than merely collecting international memberships under a misinterpretation of its free and active foreign policy.

"After Joining BRICS, What Next?"

Kompas · 27 January 2025

Gufron Gozali

Universitas Muhammadiyah Yogyakarta

M. Habib Pashya

Universitas Gadjah Mada

Gufron Gozali and M. Habib Pashya argue that joining the bloc is contrary to national interests and violates the historic Bandung principle of nonalignment. They contend that the economic benefits are redundant given existing frameworks like the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership and robust bilateral ties with Beijing. The authors warn that membership needlessly aligns Jakarta with a revisionist agenda, risks alienating vital Western security partners, and inadvertently legitimizes Russian aggression, all for an organization fraught with internal fragility

"Joining BRICS+ is not in Indonesia’s interests"

The Interpreter · 26 November 2024

Krisna Gupta

Center for Indonesian Policy Studies,
Universitas Airlangga

Radityo Dharmaputra
Lecturer, Department of International Relations, Universitas Airlangga

Krisna Gupta and Radityo Dharmaputra argue that Indonesia’s entry into BRICS is driven more by "personalised and performative politics" than by sound economic logic. They assert that the primary economic justifications—market access and de-dollarization—are fundamentally weak, as BRICS is a collection of surplus-driven economies that cannot replace the United States as a primary buyer of global goods. The authors highlight that this decision reflects President Prabowo Subianto's "FOMO (fear of missing out) diplomacy," a pursuit of visibility and prestige that prioritizes symbolic presence over institutional substance. Ultimately, they warn that while joining BRICS aims to project strategic autonomy, it risks undermining Indonesia’s traditional reputation for balance and prudence, potentially leading to "long-term strategic chaos" for the nation’s foreign policy.

"Indonesia in BRICS: Between Economic
Diversification and Personalised Politics"

ASEAN Goes BRICS (FNF) · February 2026

Muhammad Zulfikar Rakhmat
Director, China-Indonesia Desk, Center of Economic and Law Studies (CELIOS)

Muhammad Zulfikar Rakhmat argues that by accepting full BRICS membership rather than remaining a flexible partner country, Indonesia risks being perceived as a fully integrated component of an axis led by China and Russia. He warns this permanent alignment strips Jakarta of its diplomatic neutrality and exposes the domestic economy to severe retaliatory trade measures from the United States, alongside dangerous overreliance on a slowing Chinese market. To mitigate these profound geopolitical vulnerabilities, Rakhmat advises the government to aggressively diversify its internal BRICS partnerships toward nations like Brazil and South Africa, champion green investments, and pursue only a highly gradual and pragmatic approach to dedollarization.

"BRICS membership a reality
check for Indonesia"

Think China · 13 January 2025

Radityo Dharmaputra
Lecturer, Department of International Relations, Universitas Airlangga

Radityo Dharmaputra argues that Indonesia officially joining BRICS under President Prabowo Subianto is a dangerous geopolitical signal that risks destroying the nation's nonaligned reputation. He asserts that the BRICS bloc is not a genuine champion of the Global South, but rather an elite club exploited by Beijing and Moscow to advance anti Western agendas, a perception worsened by Prabowo skipping the G7 summit to visit Vladimir Putin. To mitigate the severe strategic fallout of this BRICS accession, Dharmaputra insists the administration must urgently return foreign policy formulation to the seasoned professionals at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, finalize critical ambassadorial appointments to Western nations, and establish a National Security Council to prevent unilateral presidential decisions

"The risk of Prabowo's closeness with BRICS: Indonesia's free-active reputation is at stake"

The Conversation · 7 July 2025

Yohanes Sulaiman
Lecturer, School of Government,
Jenderal Achmad Yani University

Yohanes Sulaiman argues that Indonesia’s pursuit of BRICS membership under President Prabowo Subianto is a pragmatic exercise in strategic ambiguity rather than a pivot toward a China-led world order. He asserts that while BRICS serves Prabowo’s ambition to lead the Global South and provides a low-cost platform to signal an independent foreign policy, the bloc itself offers negligible economic benefits due to its dominance by China and the struggling economies of its other members. Sulaiman highlights that by sending a foreign minister instead of attending the summit personally, Prabowo signaled to Western capitals that Indonesia remains "open for business" and is not picking sides. Ultimately, the author characterizes the move as a calculated diplomatic play intended to ensure Western powers do not take Indonesia’s cooperation for granted, while simultaneously avoiding the strategic risks of being fully committed to any single geopolitical bloc.

"Indonesia and BRICS: Will It Stack Together?"

IDSS Paper · 29 October 2024

Virdika Rizky Utama
Executive Director, PARA Syndicate

Virdika Rizky Utama argues that deep involvement in BRICS risks subordinating Indonesian diplomatic autonomy to the geopolitical ambitions of China and Russia. He warns that aligning with a bloc increasingly defined by opposition to the West could alienate vital economic partners in the United States and Europe while exposing Jakarta to the dangers of economic overreliance on Beijing. Pointing to severe internal conflicts within the group, he suggests that rather than navigating these geopolitical traps, Jakarta should protect its neutrality by leading the creation of a completely new and independent forum dedicated purely to the genuine development needs of the Global South.

"Preserving Indonesia’s Strategic
Balance Amid BRICS Ambitions"

Kompas · 25 October 2024

Yohanes Sulaiman
Lecturer, School of Government,
Jenderal Achmad Yani University

Yohanes Sulaiman argues that Indonesia's entry into BRICS is driven more by President Prabowo Subianto's personal ambition for international recognition than by sound geopolitical strategy. He contends that the promised economic benefits are largely symbolic, noting that intra-group commerce is already overwhelmingly centralized around China. Most critically, he points out that in the rush to secure global prestige, Jakarta is actively neglecting ASEAN, abandoning the very regional foundation that historically legitimized its international influence.

"Indonesia's BRICS accession underscored
by Prabowo's self interest"

East Asia Forum · 6 Maret 2025

Virdika Rizky Utama
Executive Director, PARA Syndicate

Virdika Rizky Utama argues that Indonesia's current diplomatic approach has devolved into pure transactionalism, where simultaneous engagement with BRICS and the OECD represents opportunistic bargaining rather than a coherent grand strategy. He warns that by sidelining ASEAN and centralizing foreign policy decisions within the presidency, Jakarta projects tactical flexibility at the severe cost of institutional predictability and international trust. Ultimately, this restless diplomatic activism leaves Indonesia acting as a mirror to great power interests rather than a moral compass for the Global South.

"Prabowo’s first year: Visibility without
vision in Indonesian foreign policy"

The Interpreter · 23 October 2025

Abdul Kadir Jailani
Ambassador of the Republic of Indonesia to the Federal Republic of Germany

Ambassador Abdul Kadir Jailani argues that Indonesia joining BRICS is a strategic diplomatic milestone that allows the republic to help reshape a Western centric global legal order into a more equitable and balanced multipolar system. He contends that by participating, Jakarta amplifies the collective voice of the Global South, champions genuine multilateralism, and aligns perfectly with its traditional nonaligned foreign policy principles without seeking to dismantle existing international institutions.

"Indonesia's entry to BRICS:
Reshaping the global legal order"

The Jakarta Post · 9 January 2025

Agustian Suhada

Junior Economist, Central Bank of Indonesia

Agustion Suhada argues Indonesia entering BRICS as a strategic opportunity to secure infrastructure funding and expand non Western export markets. However, he warns against the severe risks of overreliance on China and Indonesia must rigorously execute its domestic downstreaming policies to export higher value goods, making this economic defense strategy essential for turning the diplomatic accession into a true national advantage.

"Indonesia in BRICS:
Opportunities and Hidden Risk"

Kompas · 23 January 2025

Ahmad Khairul Umam

Director of the Masters Program in International Relations at Paramadina University

Ahmad Khoirul Umam argues Indonesia joining BRICS is a pragmatic and neorealist strategy designed to maximize national interests by deepening economic ties with China and reducing vulnerability to US dollar fluctuations. He views the accession favorably but heavily advocates for a simultaneous pursuit of OECD membership. By engaging both blocs, he contends that Jakarta can secure critical infrastructure investments from the Global South while maintaining access to advanced Western regulatory standards, ultimately positioning Indonesia as a central diplomatic bridge in a multipolar world.

"BRICS and the Future of Relations Between Indonesia and China in the Prabowo Era"

Kompas · 7 November 2024

Alexey Rykov

Political Counsellor, Embassy of the Russian Federation in the Republic of Indonesia

Alexey Rykov argues Indonesia's accession to BRICS is a monumental step that elevates its international profile as a leader of the Global South and ASEAN. Seeking to neutralize domestic skepticism, he frames the bloc not as an anti-Western alliance, but as a consensus-based, non-Western platform that offers Indonesia voluntary, risk-resilient financial payment mechanisms, enhanced food and energy security through initiatives like the BRICS Grain Exchange, and a powerful voice in shaping a more equitable global order.

"Indonesia and BRICS: A view from Russia"

The Jakarta Post · 24 February 2025

Aknolt Kristian Pakpahan
Head of the Master of International Relations Program, Parahyangan Catholic University

Aknolt Kristian Pakpahan argues Indonesia's entry into BRICS as a pragmatic opportunity that offers vital economic benefits, including alternative development financing and reduced reliance on the US dollar. However, he cautions that this integration requires meticulous diplomatic maneuvering to avoid alienating critical Western trading partners or jeopardizing the country's pending OECD accession.

"Indonesia and BRICS"

Pikiran Rakyat · 22 January 2025

Asep Setiawan

Universitas Muhammadiyah Jakarta

Asep Setiawan provides an objective assessment of Indonesia entering BRICS, framing the decision as a complex balancing act between economic pragmatism and geopolitical risk. He notes that while the bloc offers vital opportunities to diversify partnerships and access alternative financial mechanisms, it simultaneously threatens to strain relations with Western allies and test the limits of Jakarta's independent and active foreign policy. Ultimately, he views the accession as a profound test of Indonesia's ability to navigate a multipolar world and potentially serve as a diplomatic bridge between competing global institutions.

"Indonesia's Joins BRICS:
Balancing Economic Opportunities and Geopolitical Challenges in a Multipolar World"

JLPH · 21 February 2025

Aswin Ariyanto Azis
Head of Department of Politics, Government, and International Relations, Universitas Brawijaya

Aswin Ariyanto Azis argues Indonesia joining BRICS is a strategic shift toward multialignment designed to secure domestic development goals and protect Jakarta's leadership status within ASEAN from regional competitors. He views the accession favorably as part of a dual track strategy, asserting that Indonesia can effectively reduce its reliance on Western financial systems and champion the Global South while simultaneously advancing its long term objective of OECD membership.

"Indonesia’s BRICS agenda: 2 reasons Prabowo’s foreign policy contrasts with Jokowi’s"

The Conversation · 24 December 2024

Fajar Hirawan
Assistant Professor, Faculty of Economics and Business, Indonesian International Islamic University (UIII)

Fajar Hirawan argues Indonesia joining BRICS is a strategic triumph that will significantly accelerate the nation's industrial development and green technology sectors. The analysis highlights how membership secures vital alternative funding for massive infrastructure projects like the new capital Nusantara while formalizing deeper economic collaboration with Beijing. By aligning the bloc's maritime security interests with Jakarta's own geopolitical ambitions , the author contends that the move will substantially elevate Indonesian diplomatic leverage and establish the country as the primary bridge between the Global South and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations.

"Toward a Multipolar World Order"

China Daily Global · 13 Feb 2025 · English

Fasyeh Hamid
Gubkin University

Fasyeh Hamid argues that joining BRICS is a strategic catalyst for Indonesia's green energy transition that will specifically empower its nickel battery and palm oil biodiesel sectors. By leveraging the bloc's financial institutions and vast market, Indonesia can effectively mitigate Western trade pressures and anti deforestation tariffs. However, the author explicitly warns against a "green paradox" where overreliance on Chinese investments leads to environmental degradation. To maximize this membership, Jakarta must demand equitable technology transfer, enforce rigorous environmental standards by diversifying its investors, and utilize the platform to solidify ASEAN's collective energy security.

"BRICS+: Indonesia’s Energy Policy Capability"

Media Indonesia · 15 January 2025

Fitriani
Senior Analyst, Australian Strategic Policy Institute (ASPI)

Fitriani argues Indonesia joining BRICS is a calculated continuation of its multialignment strategy that offers vital economic leverage and cooperative opportunities in food security, energy, and technology. While she fundamentally supports the strategic rationale of the accession, she cautions that Jakarta must deploy exceptionally skilled diplomacy to navigate internal bloc rivalries, protect intellectual property, avoid alienating Western partners, and ensure this new global engagement does not dilute its established leadership responsibilities within ASEAN.

"Joining BRICS, Indonesia sticks
with multi-alignment strategy"

The Strategist (ASPI) · 16 January 2025

Gurjit Singh

Former Ambassador of the Republic of India to the Republic of Indonesia and ASEAN

Ambassador Gurjit Singh argues Indonesia's entry into the BRICS framework is a highly welcome strategic maneuver that brings crucial geopolitical balance to the expanding bloc. Viewing the development from an Indian perspective, he asserts that the inclusion of Indonesia—alongside other ASEAN nations—acts as a vital stabilizing force that will partner with India, Brazil, and South Africa to prevent the organization from devolving into a polarized, anti-Western coalition, thereby keeping its focus centered on cooperative Global South development.

"BRICS welcomes Indonesia:
A view from New Delhi"

The Jakarta Post · 24 February 2025

Hao Nan
Research fellow, Charhar Institute

Hao Nan argues that Indonesia's phased entry into BRICS is a highly calculated strategic milestone executed by the Prabowo administration to secure greater autonomy in a multipolar world. He contends that the membership acts as a vital hedge against great power rivalries and Western political unpredictability. The analysis highlights the tangible economic appeal of the New Development Bank for financing massive domestic initiatives, such as the new capital city Nusantara, alongside the structural benefits of de-dollarization. While acknowledging domestic anxieties regarding the preservation of Jakarta's non-aligned status, Nan concludes that joining the bloc successfully elevates Indonesia into a proactive middle power capable of reshaping global governance.

"Indonesia joins BRICS: A strategic step towards global south empowerment"

Think China · 14 January 2025

Klaus Heinrich Raditio
Lecturer, Driyarkara School of Philosophy

Klaus Heinrich Raditio argues that Indonesia’s decision to become a BRICS partner under President Prabowo Subianto marks a transition from previous hesitation to a more active and pragmatic foreign policy. He asserts that this move is not an endorsement of a China led or Russia led world order but is instead a strategic pursuit of development opportunities and a commitment to the nation’s nonaligned tradition. By citing the participation of nations like Thailand and Türkiye, Raditio demonstrates that BRICS membership can coexist with Western alliances, allowing Jakarta to bolster its economic ties with China while maintaining independence. To justify this shift, the author emphasizes that BRICS provides Indonesia a platform to champion Global South interests, particularly regarding the Palestinian cause, while ensuring the country remains a versatile player in a multipolar world.

"Understanding Indonesia’s decision to
(eventually) join BRICS"

The Interpreter · 1 November 2024

Pandu Utama Manggala
Diplomat, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Indonesia

Pandu Utama Manggala argues BRICS is important for Indonesia not just for economic ties but as a strategic avenue for pushing reforms in the global order perceived as unfair to developing countries. Highlights NDB access and green energy transition opportunities.

"Indonesia's Bold Step into BRICS and Beyond"

East Asia Forum · 4 February 2025

Rioberto Sidauruk
Expert Staff to Commission VII, House of Representatives of the Republic of Indonesia

Rioberto Sidauruk argues Indonesia's BRICS entry is a strategic deployment of soft power aimed at securing infrastructure financing and projecting moral authority across the Global South. He frames active membership as a calculated risk necessary to champion multipolarity, bridge global divides, and reform financial institutions.

"Through BRICS, Indonesia offers
its vision of inclusivity to the world"

South China Morning Post · 10 July 2025

Tora Pandito

University of Brawijaya

Tora Pandito argues that aligning with BRICS is a strategic necessity for Indonesia to insulate its economy from the vulnerabilities of dollar dependency. He highlights how United States monetary policy directly triggers capital outflows and domestic inflation within emerging markets. By embracing dedollarization and expanding Local Currency Settlements, Jakarta can stabilize the rupiah and secure alternative infrastructure funding through the New Development Bank.

"The BRICS Advantage: What’s at Stake for Indonesia in a Multipolar World?"

IR UI Commentaries · March 2025

Hendra Manurung
Lecturer, Department of Military History, Indonesia Defence University (UNHAN)

Oktaheroe Ramsi
Department Defence Diplomacy, Indonesia Defence University (UNHAN)

Hendra Manurung and Oktaheroe Ramsi argue Indonesia's integration into BRICS is a strategic necessity for diversifying global partnerships and securing alternative financing through the New Development Bank. They emphasize that membership aligns with Jakarta's vision for Global South leadership and offers tangible economic advantages, such as accessing competitively priced commodities. While acknowledging the risks associated with Chinese economic dominance and ongoing geopolitical friction between Russia and Western nations, the authors remain confident that Indonesia can successfully navigate these bloc dynamics by rigorously applying its independent and active foreign policy.

"Indonesia and BRICS:
Developing Challenges and Opportunities"

Valdai Discussion Club · 10 July 2025

Jorge Heine
Research Professor, Boston University Pardee School of Global Studies

Ambassador Jorge Heine argues Indonesia's BRICS entry is not merely economic but a strategic move solidifying its Global South leadership. Frames it as a shift in global power dynamics, with Indonesia as a bridge between Asia and major powers.

"Indonesia's joining BRICS as a full member underlies its growing importance and influence"

China Daily Global · 13 Feb 2025 · English

Muslim Imran

Director, Asia-Middle East Center for Research and Dialogue (AMEC)

Muslim Imran views Indonesia entering the bloc as a necessary adaptation to a multipolar world rather than an absolute strategic triumph. While he acknowledges the diplomatic and economic advantages of engaging the Global South, he emphasizes that the success of this maneuver strictly depends on Jakarta mastering its internal policy coordination and balancing these new ties without alienating essential Western partners.

"Indonesia, BRICS and
the rise of the Global South"

The Jakarta Post · 18 February 202

Nikita Kuklin
Researcher, ASEAN Studies Center,
MGIMO University

Nikita Kuklin argues Indonesia's engagement with BRICS is a necessary and strategic countermeasure against aggressive US trade policies and unilateral tariffs. He views the bloc and its New Development Bank favorably as vital alternative multilateral mechanisms that empower Indonesia to protect its domestic economy, build regional cohesion within ASEAN, and champion a fairer, multipolar global order through equal dialogue rather than geopolitical confrontation.

"BRICS, the U.S. Trade War,
and Indonesia–ASEAN"

Media Indonesia · 7 January 2025

Philips Vermonte

Spokesperson on Foreign Affairs, Presidential Communication Office (PCO) of the Republic of Indonesia

Philips Vermonte argues Indonesia's integration into BRICS is a pragmatic extension of its free and active foreign policy aimed directly at securing domestic development goals. He frames the accession as a calculated maneuver to diversify trade and investment opportunities while maintaining strategic autonomy amid global geopolitical tensions. Viewing the bloc as just one of many multilateral tools, he firmly supports the membership as an essential platform to advance President Prabowo Subianto's core economic priorities, particularly food security and poverty reduction across the Global South.

"Development, free and active foreign policy will be FM Sugiono’s priorities"

The Jakarta Post · 13 January 2025

Simon Hutagalung
Diplomat, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Indonesia

Simon Hutagalung argues Indonesia pursuing both BRICS and OECD membership is a highly beneficial strategy that reflects its ambition to transition into a global economic powerhouse. He views integration into the BRICS coalition favorably as a mechanism to secure development funding, technological cooperation, and enhanced bargaining power for the Global South. However, he cautions that Jakarta must rigorously address domestic governance deficits, income inequality, and environmental sustainability to successfully balance the geopolitical rhetoric of BRICS with the rigorous policy standards required by the OECD.

"Indonesia: Joining
BRICS And OECD As A Member"

Eurasian Review · 16 December 2024

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