Support Indonesia Joins BRICS, House Of Representatives Commission I: Great Opportunity In Line With Active Free Politics

JAKARTA - Commission I of the House of Representatives in charge of foreign affairs fully supports Indonesia's desire to join the BRICS economic group (Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa).

Member of Commission I DPR from the PKS faction, Sukamta, assessed that these efforts strengthen Indonesia's position on the global economic stage, but are in line with Indonesia's active free foreign political principles.

"Indonesia must continue to expand international cooperation and strengthen its position in various world economic forums. BRICS provides great opportunities, but Indonesia must also maintain balance in relations with traditional Western partners, such as the United States and the European Union," Sukamta told reporters, Monday, October 28.

"(The joining of Indonesia to BRICS, ed) is important so that we can optimize the benefits of the various existing cooperations," he continued.

If Indonesia joins BRICS, according to Sukamta, Indonesia will have wider access to non-traditional markets such as Brazil to South Africa.

"BRICS represents rapidly growing economic markets. By joining, Indonesia will have wider access to non-traditional markets such as Brazil, Russia, and South Africa," said Sukamta.

Not only that, he said, BRICS can also pave the way for technology transfer and innovation that can support infrastructure and domestic industrial development.

"This diversification is important to reduce dependence on key markets in the West, especially amid global economic uncertainty," he said.

Sukamta said BRICS has financial institutions such as the New Development Bank (NDB) which can be an alternative source of funding for large projects in Indonesia, including infrastructure, energy, and sustainable development.

As a member of BRICS, according to him, Indonesia will have a greater opportunity to play a role in the preparation of global policies.

"Indonesia can use this forum to encourage national interests in the economic and international political sectors, as well as strengthen influence in other international organizations," said Sukamta.

As previously reported, Indonesia expressed its desire to join BRICS at the BRICS Plus Summit in Kazan, Russia, starting the process of becoming a member of the block.

"The joining of Indonesia to BRICS is an active free political manifestation of foreign politics," said Foreign Minister Sugiono, in a statement from the Indonesian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Friday, October 25.

"It doesn't mean we join certain camps, but we actively participate in all forums," he continued.

"We also see that BRICS' priorities are in line with the work program of the Red and White Cabinet, including related to food and energy security, eradicating poverty or advancing human resources," added the Indonesian Foreign Minister.

Foreign Minister Sugiono was present at the 16th BRICS Summit which was held in Kazan on October 22-24, representing Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto.

Through BRICS, Indonesia wants to raise its common interest in developing countries or Global South.

"We see that BRICS can be the right vehicle to discuss and advance its common interest in Global South," said Foreign Minister Sugiono.