Indonesia’s conspicuous absence from the expanded BRICS membership, despite its apparent suitability as a major emerging economy, reveals a deliberate and strategic decision rooted in the country’s historical wariness of geopolitical entanglements and a nuanced evaluation of potential economic benefits.
While Indonesia’s thriving population of over 270 million and impressive economic trajectory could naturally position it among the world’s top five economies, its exclusion from the recently expanded BRICS roster—comprising Argentina, Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates—was not entirely unexpected. The move underscores Indonesia’s cautious approach to global alliances and its consideration of the potential backlash and geopolitical implications associated with joining the grouping.
Analysts emphasize that Indonesia’s decision is not driven solely by economic considerations. The perceived optics of associating with countries like China and Russia, despite the economic advantages, could undermine Indonesia’s independent and active foreign policy stance. The country’s historical role in initiatives such as the Non-Aligned Movement during the Cold War and its commitment to a “bebas-aktif” foreign policy approach further contribute to its careful evaluation of alignment with the BRICS bloc.
Indonesian President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo, while open to the idea of BRICS membership, has expressed a desire to avoid hastily committing to the grouping. Discussions with Indonesia’s Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) counterparts are ongoing, indicating the country’s cautious and measured approach to geopolitical alignments.
While BRICS promotes itself as a champion of the Global South and seeks alternatives to established financial institutions, concerns linger that the grouping’s anti-Western perception could complicate Indonesia’s relationships, particularly with the United States. Balancing economic opportunities against geopolitical considerations remains a complex calculus for Indonesia.
Experts suggest that Indonesia’s existing ties with China, coupled with the potentially divisive nature of aligning with BRICS, make the nation more inclined to focus on regional collaborations like ASEAN. Trade-focused organizations such as the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD), with 38 member countries, might also present more tangible benefits to Indonesia’s economic and foreign policy goals.
As Indonesia ambitiously strives for development milestones, including the relocation of its capital and economic growth targets, the nation’s approach to global affiliations reflects a multidimensional evaluation of its interests, values, and potential gains in an ever-evolving geopolitical landscape.