Member Of The Indonesian House Of Representatives From PKS Supports Indonesia's Plan To Join BRICS

BRICS Plus 2024 Summit in Kazan, Russia. (Source: Alexey Danichev/brics-russia2024.ru Host Photo Agency via Kremlin)

JAKARTA - Member of the Indonesian House of Representatives from the PKS Sukamta faction gave full support to the government's plan to join the BRICS economic bloc (Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa). This was conveyed after the Indonesian Minister of Foreign Affairs, Sugiono, attended the BRICS Plus Summit some time ago.

Sukamta in his statement in Jakarta on Sunday conveyed that these efforts were in line with Indonesia's independent foreign political principles, while strengthening Indonesia's position on the global economic stage.

"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 partners in the West, such as the United States and the European Union. This is important so that we can optimize the benefits of various existing collaborations," said Sukamta, quoted from ANTARA, Sunday, October 27.

According to Sukamta, BRICS offers various strategic opportunities for Indonesia which are expected to provide opportunities for Indonesia to increase foreign investment flows, especially from countries such as China and India.

"This also paves the way for technology transfers and innovations that can support infrastructure development and domestic industries," he said.

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

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

Meanwhile, BRICS finances have 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. Through this membership, Indonesia can reduce its dependence on financing from Western-dominated international financial institutions.

In addition, as a member of BRICS, 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 international economic and political sectors and strengthen influence in other international organizations," said Sukamta.

Then for Indonesia, BRICS membership is not only about economic gain, but also geopolitical.

"In the midst of global geopolitical tensions and economic competition between big countries, Indonesia needs to maintain balance. Joining BRICS allows us to strengthen relations with developing countries while maintaining a strategic partnership with the West," said Sukamta.

In addition to opportunities, Sukamta also highlighted challenges that need to be anticipated.

"BRICS consists of countries with very diverse economic and political backgrounds. Differences in interests and vision among members can be an obstacle in achieving agreements that benefit all parties," he said.

He also emphasized that Indonesia must adhere to the principles of active free foreign politics, which has been the foundation of Indonesian diplomacy.

"Joining with BRICS should be seen as an effort to expand cooperation options, not as a step to side with a particular block. Indonesia must remain a bridge to dialogue between world powers, both in the East and West," he said.

Indonesia also needs to prepare itself with more competitive and adaptive economic policies. Structural reform in the economic field, increasing national industrial competitiveness and improving the investment climate is the key so that Indonesia can maximize the benefits of membership in BRICS.