Indonesia officially became the first Southeast Asian member of the BRICS bloc, marking a significant milestone in its international diplomacy. With a population exceeding 284 million across 17,000 islands and an economy valued at over $1 trillion, Indonesia’s inclusion in this influential group of emerging economies is both symbolic and strategic.
The decision to join BRICS was initially approved during the 2023 Johannesburg Summit but was delayed until the new Indonesian administration under President Prabowo Subianto assumed office. Prabowo’s proactive foreign policy stance led to Indonesia’s formal membership, positioning the country as a bridge between Southeast Asia and other developing economies within the BRICS framework.
Economic and strategic benefits of BRICS membership
Indonesia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs emphasized the strategic importance of BRICS membership, describing it as a move to enhance collaboration with other developing nations. This aligns with Indonesia’s focus on equality, mutual respect, and sustainable development.
Membership in BRICS offers Indonesia access to funding opportunities through the New Development Bank (NDB), which has already approved $32.8 billion in financing. Analysts suggest this could boost Indonesia’s trade, investment, and development goals. Arsjad Rasjid, Chairman of the Indonesian Chamber of Commerce and Industry, highlighted the potential for closer economic ties with other BRICS nations, providing a foundation for sustainable growth.
Leveraging energy and critical minerals: Indonesia’s key role
Indonesia’s status as the world’s largest nickel producer makes it pivotal in the global supply chain for electric vehicle batteries and other critical technologies. By joining BRICS, Indonesia gains a platform to coordinate policies and align its interests with other major resource-rich nations in the bloc.
The Kazan Summit emphasized advancing collective interests across mineral value chains to meet the demands of clean energy transitions. Indonesia, alongside other Southeast Asian nations like Malaysia and Thailand, contributes to BRICS’ growing influence as a commodity powerhouse. These nations are crucial suppliers of nickel, rare earth metals, and natural gas, essential for renewable energy technologies.
BRICS membership allows Indonesia to participate in shaping global supply chains, resisting Western pressures like the U.S.-led Mineral Security Partnership. Through the bloc, Indonesia can promote fair policies on critical mineral exports, enhance collaboration on sustainable energy solutions, and assert its economic sovereignty.
Military cooperation with China: Strengthening regional stability
Alongside its economic and diplomatic advancements, Indonesia is also strengthening its military cooperation with China. High-level meetings between Indonesian Defense Minister Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin, TNI Chief General Agus Subiyanto, and Liu Zhenli, Chief of China’s Central Military Commission Joint Staff Department, underscore the growing strategic relationship between the two nations.
Indonesia and China have pledged to enhance practical military cooperation, including personnel exchanges and joint exercises. This collaboration builds on shared cultural ties and mutual respect, reflecting a broader commitment to regional peace and stability.
Liu Zhenli reiterated China’s willingness to deepen ties with Indonesia, citing the upcoming 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations as an opportunity to achieve new milestones in military cooperation. The visit was marked by a ceremonial welcome and a review of the Indonesian Armed Forces Honor Guard, symbolizing the mutual respect and shared vision for security in the Asia-Pacific region.
Indonesia’s balancing act: A flexible foreign policy
Indonesia’s approach to foreign policy reflects a blend of pragmatism and independence. By joining BRICS, Indonesia positions itself within a bloc that challenges Western-dominated global governance structures while maintaining its commitment to a “free and active” foreign policy.
Defense Minister Sugiono emphasized that Indonesia’s engagement with BRICS and China does not signify alignment with any particular bloc but demonstrates its active participation in global forums. This flexibility allows Indonesia to pursue development opportunities while ensuring balanced relationships with major powers, including the U.S., China, and Russia.
The geopolitical implications of Indonesia’s moves
Indonesia’s dual strategic actions—joining BRICS and enhancing ties with China—signal its ambition to play a more prominent role on the global stage. As Southeast Asia’s largest economy, Indonesia’s inclusion in BRICS adds a new dimension to the bloc’s influence, particularly in the Asia-Pacific region.
At the same time, strengthening military cooperation with China positions Indonesia as a key player in regional security. This collaboration is especially significant given the increasing geopolitical tensions in the South China Sea and beyond.
By actively engaging with BRICS and China, Indonesia demonstrates its ability to navigate complex international dynamics, leveraging its economic and strategic strengths to advance its national interests.
A strategic vision for Indonesia’s future
Indonesia’s entry into BRICS and its deepening military ties with China represent a bold step forward in its quest for global relevance and regional stability. These moves not only enhance Indonesia’s economic and security prospects but also reinforce its role as a mediator and leader in Southeast Asia.
As Indonesia continues to balance its relationships with major global powers, its strategic vision remains clear: to foster sustainable development, promote regional peace, and assert its influence on the world stage.