JAKARTA, RAKYAT NEWS – Indonesian Foreign Minister Sugiono emphasized that there is no contradiction between the country’s participation in the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) and the BRICS bloc (Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa). Sugiono made this statement during a meeting with Commission I of the Indonesian House of Representatives (DPR), held at the Parliament Complex in Senayan, Jakarta, on Monday, December 2, 2024.

“The OECD and BRICS do not oppose each other. This has been acknowledged by both parties, and they continue to respect Indonesia’s rules and regulations,” Sugiono said during the work meeting. He added that these two international platforms can coexist without conflicting with each other, offering Indonesia opportunities to expand its economic relationships with countries in both groups.

Sugiono elaborated that BRICS, as a multilateral group, provides a valuable opportunity for Indonesia to strengthen its economic ties with the member countries. This is particularly important as Indonesia continues to pursue a more diversified foreign policy strategy, fostering engagement with emerging economies while maintaining its traditional partnerships.

Since his appointment as Foreign Minister, Sugiono has consistently expressed Indonesia’s interest in joining BRICS. This was first communicated during his attendance at the BRICS Plus Summit in Russia in late October 2024. He highlighted that Indonesia’s participation would allow the country to act as a “bridge builder” between the developed and developing nations, facilitating greater global dialogue.

In his remarks, Sugiono revealed that Indonesia’s intent to join BRICS was formally communicated at the summit. As a special envoy of President Prabowo Subianto, Sugiono was tasked with conveying this aspiration to the leaders of BRICS nations. The Minister emphasized that Indonesia’s involvement would promote mutual understanding and strengthen South-South cooperation.