Indonesia, BRICS, and the Principle of Active Non-Alignment

Indonesia’s Interest in Joining BRICS and Prabowo’s Foreign Policy

At the recent BRICS Plus summit in Kazan, Russia, Indonesia expressed its desire to join the group. This move, according to Foreign Minister Sugiono, is seen as an implementation of Indonesia’s free and active foreign policy principles, while also aiming to advance the interests of Global South countries. Notably, this decision differs from Indonesia’s previous approach under the Joko Widodo administration.

Prabowo’s Leadership and Assertive Foreign Policy

• Under President Prabowo Subianto’s leadership, Indonesia’s foreign policy appears more assertive and active, especially with frequent international visits and a strong focus on geopolitical issues, as seen in Prabowo’s engagements such as the Shangri-La Dialogue.

• Emphasizing Indonesia’s vulnerability to external power struggles, Prabowo’s narrative stresses the nation not being dictated by foreign influences, aligning with the longstanding free and active foreign policy doctrine.

BRICS and Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) Principles

• Joining BRICS does not violate Indonesia’s non-aligned stance. While some Western nations view it as a breach of non-alignment, Indonesia’s participation in BRICS focuses on economic cooperation and is in line with the Bandung Principles of the Non-Aligned Movement.

• By upholding independence and nationalism, Indonesia’s foreign policy under Prabowo’s administration asserts the country’s own choices, unaffected by external pressures.

Strong Leadership and Western Concerns

• Despite Western concerns over Indonesia joining the group viewed as anti-Western, Prabowo’s past tensions with the West and his belief in strong leadership shaping national progress play a significant role in such decisions.

• Prabowo’s admiration for leaders like Vladimir Putin and Xi Jinping underscores his preference for leaders who play a dominant role in foreign policy, signaling his potential influence on Indonesia’s foreign affairs trajectory.

Benefits and Considerations

• Economically, Indonesia stands to gain from BRICS’ extensive market potential and the opportunity to access funding through the New Development Bank (NDB) for infrastructure projects.

• Politically, Indonesia’s membership in BRICS enhances its diplomatic leverage globally, particularly among major powers like Russia, China, and India, influencing the global order.

Balancing Act

• Balancing relations with the West remains crucial for Indonesia, emphasizing that foreign policy should not favor one bloc over another. Strategic partnerships, such as the defense agreement with the US for F-15EX fighter jets, highlight Indonesia’s ties with Western nations.

• Learning from India’s dual role as a BRICS member and a key Western ally in Asia-Pacific, Indonesia’s commitment to democracy could serve as a unifying factor with Western nations, particularly the US.

Future Considerations

• It is incumbent upon the Prabowo administration to safeguard democracy domestically while promoting it in the Asia-Pacific region through forums like the Bali Democracy Forum. Maintaining a balanced and flexible approach in navigating foreign relations remains a critical task for Indonesia.

Mohamad Rosyidin, a doctoral candidate in the Department of Politics and Government at UGM, also serves as a lecturer in the Department of International Relations at Diponegoro University.