Indonesia’s official acceptance into BRICS surprised many observers. While some see this as a departure from its long-standing foreign policy, others argue it is a natural step toward reinforcing its global influence. As a multilateral group representing the Global South, BRICS has positioned itself as an alternative to the G7 and G20, which are dominated by Western powers. By joining, Indonesia gains a platform that advocates for global financial reform, particularly reducing dependence on the U.S. dollar.
BRICS is actively expanding, largely driven by China and Russia—two nations that historically challenged Western dominance. Several Southeast Asian countries, including Malaysia, Thailand, and Vietnam, have shown interest in joining. However, Indonesia’s rapid acceptance underscores its rising influence both regionally and globally.
Why BRICS fits Indonesia’s “free and active” policy
Indonesia’s foreign policy, guided by the Bebas-Aktif (Free and Active) doctrine, aims to maintain independence in international affairs while engaging constructively with global powers. Joining BRICS does not mean abandoning neutrality; rather, it enhances Indonesia’s ability to mediate between the U.S. and China amid escalating global tensions.
To sustain this approach, Indonesia remains committed to its Western alliances. Alongside BRICS, it is pursuing membership in the OECD, a group aligned with U.S.-led economic policies. This dual engagement demonstrates Indonesia’s determination to strengthen ties with China while maintaining crucial Western partnerships.
Economic drivers: Diversifying markets and securing funding
Indonesia’s BRICS membership opens doors to new trade opportunities. The country has long relied on Western markets, particularly for key exports such as palm oil and nickel. However, restrictive policies imposed by the U.S. and Europe have created economic hurdles. Through BRICS, Indonesia can expand its trade with India, Russia, and other member states, reducing dependency on Western buyers.
China, Indonesia’s largest trading partner, plays a central role in this shift. Bilateral trade continues to grow, with Indonesia benefiting from Chinese investments in infrastructure and energy. Furthermore, BRICS provides access to the New Development Bank (NDB), offering financial support for major projects—including Nusantara, Indonesia’s ambitious new capital city.
A controversial economic consideration is Indonesia’s previous interest in purchasing discounted Russian oil. Western sanctions on Russia have led to price disparities, and acquiring cheaper fuel could significantly ease Indonesia’s fiscal burden. Whether Indonesia will proceed with this option remains to be seen, but BRICS membership makes such deals more feasible.
Strategic implications: A new role in ASEAN diplomacy?
On the security front, BRICS offers Indonesia an additional diplomatic avenue to address the South China Sea dispute. While Indonesia does not claim the disputed waters directly, tensions with China over maritime boundaries persist. Membership in BRICS could facilitate discussions with Beijing and provide leverage in negotiations, both bilaterally and within ASEAN.
Indonesia may also emerge as a mediator for ASEAN nations with territorial disputes against China, including the Philippines, Malaysia, and Vietnam. Whether BRICS can serve as a platform for resolving these issues remains uncertain, but Indonesia’s participation strengthens its position in regional diplomacy.
Jokowi’s China pivot: Pragmatic or risky?
Indonesia’s deepening economic ties with China intensified under President Joko Widodo (Jokowi). Over his decade-long administration, Indonesia’s debt to China surged by 190%, reaching $22.86 billion. Jokowi’s infrastructure-heavy policies relied heavily on Chinese financing, drawing criticism from Western governments.
The West’s concerns extend beyond economic issues. Jokowi’s tenure saw increasing allegations of democratic backsliding and corruption, leading to strained relations with Western financial institutions. Consequently, obtaining loans for development projects became more challenging, further driving Indonesia toward alternative funding sources such as BRICS.
Jokowi’s influence continues through his political successor, President Prabowo Subianto, whose first official visit was to China, securing investment deals worth $10.07 billion. These developments raise critical questions: Is Indonesia’s BRICS membership a diplomatic success, or is it an inevitable outcome of its growing economic reliance on China?
Maintaining autonomy in an evolving global order
Indonesia’s entry into BRICS marks a significant geopolitical shift, but it must tread carefully. China’s growing influence in Southeast Asia is undeniable, and Japan—Indonesia’s traditional economic partner—views this shift with concern. Competition between China and Japan in the automotive sector exemplifies the broader struggle for regional dominance, with Indonesia at the center of this contest.
Despite its BRICS membership, Indonesia must balance its commitments. Some suggest that Jakarta should encourage other ASEAN members to join, strengthening the region’s bargaining power. Others warn that aligning too closely with China and Russia could provoke economic retaliation from the U.S., jeopardizing Indonesia’s export-driven economy.
Domestically, Indonesia’s economic landscape is shaped by a small circle of influential business elites, many of whom have strong financial ties to China. This raises concerns over growing dependency and the potential political consequences of prioritizing Chinese investments over broader economic diversification.
Regardless of the motivations behind joining BRICS, one reality is clear: Indonesia has cemented its place on the global stage. The country is now at the center of competing economic and strategic interests. To secure its long-term position, Indonesia must focus on strengthening institutional resilience—ensuring transparency, reinforcing democratic principles, and safeguarding national interests. The world is watching how Indonesia will navigate this new era of global power shifts.
* Journalist Syamsudin Fauroni covers issues related to Indonesia for GeoTrends.