Foreign Minister: The Indonesian Process Of Joining BRICS Is Still Rolling

Minister of Foreign Affairs Sugiono gave a press statement after the cabinet plenary session at the Presidential Palace, Jakarta, Monday (2/12/2024). (ANTARA/Livia Kristianti)

JAKARTA - Minister of Foreign Affairs (Menlu) Sugiono revealed the latest developments regarding Indonesia's position in the process of joining the BRICS economic bloc after applying for an interest in becoming a member at the end of October 2024.

"Now the process is still rolling. I think the ball is on the BRICS side to determine whether the intention to join what was conveyed by Indonesia was accepted or not. Because there are several stages that must be passed by Indonesia before becoming a full member of BRICS," Sugiono said as quoted by ANTARA, Monday, December 2.

Sugiono said that currently Indonesia has received support from one of the BRICS initiators, China. Indonesia's commitment to support was obtained from China when President Prabowo Subianto made his first state visit to the country.

If later Indonesia is successfully accepted into the BRICS, Sugiono said there is the potential for multilateral grouping to be formed because several countries from Southeast Asia have also been included as part of BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa).

"Several friendly countries, our neighboring countries, Malaysia are there, Thailand is there, this is a multilateral grouping that we hope can bring benefits too," said Sugiono.

Previously, President Prabowo Subianto emphasized that Indonesia's decision to enter the global economic bloc such as BRICS to OECD was carried out for the benefit of the nation.

This was conveyed by the Head of the Presidential Communication Office Hasan Nasbi in a press conference after the plenary cabinet meeting at the Presidential office in Jakarta, Monday.

"Mr. Prabowo said that as a country that fights for our national interests, we will not join any defense blocks. But we will join forces with various economic blocks that benefit our nation's interests," Hasan said.

Hasan explained that currently Indonesia is in the stage of registering with several economic blocks such as BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa), the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD), and most recently Indonesia is also interested in being included in the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnerships (CPTPP).

Reporter : Livia Kristianti