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.

Before announcing the desire to join BRICS, Indonesia had also been engaged in accession negotiations with the OECD. Sugiono pointed out that this process is another key step in Indonesia’s commitment to enhancing its international economic cooperation. The country’s accession to the OECD was further confirmed during a meeting between President Prabowo Subianto and OECD Secretary-General Mathias Cormann at the Presidential Palace in Jakarta on November 28, 2024.

“This commitment to OECD membership remains firm,” Sugiono remarked, underlining that the ongoing negotiations reflect Indonesia’s broader goals of increasing its participation in global economic governance. The Foreign Minister stressed that this effort complements Indonesia’s regional and international economic priorities.

Sugiono also reiterated Indonesia’s consistent non-aligned foreign policy. While the country seeks to deepen its economic ties with both the OECD and BRICS, it will not align itself with any military bloc. “Since the beginning of his administration, President Prabowo has emphasized a foreign policy vision where Indonesia remains non-aligned, ensuring that we do not become part of any military alliances,” Sugiono clarified.

The Foreign Minister’s remarks were made in the presence of Commission I Chairman Utut Adianto, along with Vice-Chairs Budisatrio Djiwandono, Ahmad Heryawan, Dave Akbarshah Fikarno Laksono, Anton Sukartono, and other senior officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. (Uki Ruknuddin)

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