Palace: Membership Of The Republic Of Indonesia In BRICS Does Not Mean Leaving US Relations

JAKARTA - Spokesperson for the Presidential Communication Office Philips Vermonte stated that Indonesia's membership in BRICS does not mean leaving relations with western countries, including the United States and the European Union.

This statement was made by Philips in response to speculation about the direction of Indonesia's foreign policy after officially joining economic groups, including Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa.

"Joining with BRICS does not mean we are leaving other relations that we organize with western countries, for example with the United States or with the European Union and other countries," he said as quoted by ANTARA, Friday, January 31.

According to him, President Prabowo Subianto has repeatedly emphasized that Indonesia is implementing strategic autonomy in its foreign policy to remain friendly and cooperate with various countries based on national interests, without being bound by a certain geopolitical block.

"BRICS is only one of various other organizations that Indonesia participates in. And in BRICS there are also big countries whose interests are the same as Indonesia's in terms of economics and development," he said.

Philips gave an example, India, which has a close relationship with the United States, has remained part of the BRICS.

He also emphasized that Indonesia remains active in other international forums, such as the G20, APEC, as well as in the OECD membership process, which is dominated by Western countries.

"So, I don't think there is anything to be antagonized," he said.