Joining BRICS Is Not Symbolic, Indonesia Can Be Pressured By The US On Papua

JAKARTA Chairman of the Board of Directors of the GREAT Institute, Syahganda Nainggolan, reminded the government of President-elect Prabowo Subianto to be careful in formulating foreign policies in the midst of heating up global conflicts. According to him, Indonesia's position in geopolitical dynamics such as the Russia-Ukraine conflict, Iran-Israeli tension, and rivalry between the United States and BRICS can have a strategic impact that cannot be ignored.

In a limited discussion entitled "The Impact of the Israel-Iran Conflict on Indonesia" held by the Patiunus 75 Discussion Group at Senayan Park, Thursday, July 10, Syahganda highlighted Indonesia's decision to join BRICS as a step that was not just symbolic, but had serious consequences.

"America has been planning intelligence and military forces in Indonesia for more than 30 years. We dare to fight back? Their military budget is 963 billion US dollars, NATO is even 1.5 trillion dollars. What strength do we have?" he said.

He said he had asked one of the high-ranking TNI officers to be active in the intelligence sector about risks if the United States was not happy with the direction of Indonesian policy.

"If America is serious about helping Papua independent? The answer is: don't be American, the CIA proxies are moving, Papua can be independent," he said.

This discussion was also attended by a number of figures, such as Admiral (Ret.) Marsetio, geopolitical observer Dina Sulaeman, Deputy Chairperson of Kadin Pahala Nugraha Manshuri, and Bambang Soesatyo as the host. Also present were Lahat Regent Bursah Zarnubi, Nasir Tamara, Abdullah Rasyid, Hendrajit, Teguh Santosa, Rizal Dharma Putra, Said Didu, and a number of former ambassadors.

Syahganda also mentioned domestic conditions. According to him, the weakening of people's militancy due to corruption and the decline in purchasing power during the Jokowi administration is a big challenge. He asked Prabowo not to be trapped in the elite circle of the former old cabinet which he said was full of interest.

"Those people have been only ABS as long as you are happy. They could have deceived Prabowo," he said.

He also criticized the United States' actions, which he said dared to bomb three Iranian nuclear sites, indicating potential further threats.

"If he dares to bomb other countries, he will stop? No. He will continue to lurk," he said.

In closing, Syahganda emphasized the importance of people's support in maintaining national sovereignty. He asked that major policies, including Indonesia's orientation to BRICS, not be taken elitistically, but by involving public aspirations.

"Prabowo must hear the voices of the people. Don't be an elitist president who is not connected to people power. In a war situation, it is very dangerous," he concluded.