JAKARTA – On January 7, Indonesia formally joined BRICS, becoming the first Southeast Asian country to join the intergovernmental bloc comprising Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa. Indonesia’s entry follows BRICS’ recent expansion to include Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, and the UAE. President Prabowo Subianto prioritized joining BRICS soon after taking office in October, marking a significant shift in Indonesia’s foreign policy strategy.

Indonesia had been invited alongside other ASEAN members, including Malaysia, Thailand, and Vietnam, to become a BRICS partner country. However, concerns about maintaining the nation’s non-alignment policy initially delayed the decision under former President Joko Widodo. Prabowo’s administration embraced the opportunity, describing BRICS membership as a strategic move to enhance cooperation with other developing nations.

Economic Benefits of BRICS Membership

Indonesia’s decision to join BRICS is rooted in economic pragmatism. In 2024, Indonesia’s trade with BRICS nations totaled approximately $150 billion USD, with exports dominated by palm oil, coal, natural gas, and rubber. Officials are now exploring the potential to expand trade, including importing oil from Russia to reduce energy costs and diversify suppliers.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs emphasized that BRICS membership aligns with Indonesia’s principles of equality, mutual respect, and sustainable development. As part of the bloc, Indonesia gains access to greater collaboration on trade, investment, and infrastructure development, which is expected to bolster the country’s economic growth.

Balancing Non-Alignment and Regional Leadership

Critics fear Indonesia’s membership in BRICS could jeopardize its historic non-alignment policy and create a tilt toward China and Russia. Foreign Minister Sugiono, however, dismissed these concerns, stating that BRICS membership reflects Indonesia’s independent foreign policy. He highlighted that Indonesia aims to act as a bridge between the Global South and the Indo-Pacific region.

To reinforce this balance, Indonesia is concurrently pursuing membership in the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), which includes Western nations like the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom. This dual-track approach underscores Indonesia’s commitment to maintaining neutrality and strengthening ties with both the Global South and the West.

Implications for ASEAN and Regional Dynamics

Indonesia’s move to join BRICS could have significant implications for ASEAN, where it plays a key leadership role. As the largest economy in ASEAN, Indonesia’s membership in BRICS might encourage other Southeast Asian nations, including Malaysia and Thailand, to follow suit. Both countries have already initiated steps toward BRICS membership while also exploring OECD ties.

Vietnam, on the other hand, remains cautious, and wary of how the incoming Trump administration might view BRICS as a geopolitical force. This caution reflects the broader balancing act Southeast Asian nations face as they navigate relationships with both the West and the Global South.

Indonesia’s leadership in ASEAN could evolve as it leverages BRICS membership to strengthen economic ties and address shared challenges like energy security and sustainable development. However, this dual alignment will require careful diplomacy to ensure ASEAN unity and avoid perceptions of favoritism within the bloc.

A Strategic Shift in a Dynamic Era

Indonesia’s entry into BRICS signals a strategic pivot toward greater engagement with the Global South while preserving its non-alignment stance. As Southeast Asia’s largest economy, Indonesia’s actions may shape the region’s future approach to balancing relationships with major powers in an era of shifting global dynamics. Whether this decision strengthens Indonesia’s regional influence or creates new challenges will depend on how effectively it navigates its commitments to both BRICS and ASEAN. (zai)