BRICS Entry Doesn’t Shift Indonesia’s Stance – Sugiono
Indonesia Reaffirms Non-Aligned Stance amidst BRICS Membership
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Jakarta – Indonesia’s commitment too a non-bloc, non-aligned foreign policy remains steadfast, even as the nation officially joins the expanded BRICS group, according to Foreign Minister Sugiono. This clarification addresses concerns that membership in the economic bloc might lead Indonesia to align with specific global power centers.
A History of Non-Alignment
“Our history shows that when we take sides with one bloc of power, our society becomes divided,” minister Sugiono stated in an exclusive interview with Antara in Jakarta on Thursday. He emphasized that Indonesia’s participation in BRICS is a continuation of its long-standing “free and active” foreign policy, a principle that has guided the nation’s international relations for decades.
BRICS, initially comprising Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa, has recently expanded to BRICS+ with the inclusion of several new member countries, including Indonesia. This expansion signifies a growing multipolar world order, and Indonesia’s membership is seen as a strategic move to enhance its influence and engagement within this evolving global landscape.
Strategic Engagement, Not Alignment
Minister Sugiono highlighted that Indonesia’s decision to join BRICS was the result of extensive and thorough deliberation. He pointed out that Indonesia’s foreign policy engagement is multifaceted, citing its membership in APEC and its ongoing accession process to the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Advancement (OECD). this demonstrates a strategic approach to engaging with various international forums and economic groups without compromising its core non-aligned principles.
“BRICS also voices the interests of developing countries in the Global South,” Sugiono added, underscoring the bloc’s role in advocating for the needs and perspectives of emerging economies.
Building Bridges as a “Good Neighbor”
President Prabowo subianto’s vision for Indonesia is to be a “good neighbor” to all countries. This philosophy, as explained by the Foreign Minister, translates into building relationships based on mutual respect and grounded in Indonesia’s national interests.
“To be a good neighbor means we want to build relationships with other countries based on mutual respect and grounded in our national interest,” he elaborated.In line with this, the Foreign Ministry is actively engaged in continuous and intensive communication with amiable nations to deepen bilateral ties and foster cooperation.
The Bandung spirit and Global South Progress
A significant development reinforcing Indonesia’s foreign policy direction occurred at the 2025 BRICS Summit in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. President Prabowo Subianto and Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva agreed to champion the spirit of the Bandung Asian-African Conference. This historic conference, held in 1955, was instrumental in fostering solidarity among newly independent nations and advocating for self-determination and cooperation.
President da Silva acknowledged Indonesia’s pivotal role in igniting the spirit of Global South countries since the Bandung conference, recognizing the nation’s enduring legacy in promoting South-South cooperation and advocating for a more equitable global order.
This renewed emphasis on the Bandung spirit signifies Indonesia’s commitment to leveraging its BRICS membership to advance the collective interests of developing nations and contribute to global peace and prosperity, all while maintaining its cherished non-aligned status.