JAKARTA, RAKYAT NEWS – Indonesia is seriously considering membership in the BRICS bloc, citing the need to strengthen its position in international politics and the global economy.

The BRICS group, comprising Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa, has recently expanded to include countries like Iran, Egypt, Ethiopia, and the United Arab Emirates. Indonesian officials see this membership as an opportunity to actively engage in global agendas such as economic resilience, technological cooperation, and sustainable development.

Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs Arif Havas Oegroseno highlighted two main reasons for Indonesia’s interest in joining BRICS: geopolitical factors and international economic conditions. The current global landscape, marked by conflicts like the Russia-Ukraine war, the US-China trade war, and proxy wars in Africa, has created uncertainty, prompting Indonesia to seek organizations that could enhance its international standing.

According to Oegroseno, joining BRICS, alongside Indonesia’s ongoing accession to the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), is seen as a strategic move to navigate these global challenges.

The BRICS bloc presents an alternative to Western-dominated international frameworks, offering a platform for emerging economies to collaborate. Indonesia’s participation in BRICS would allow it to influence key issues such as climate change, food security, and global health.

Furthermore, Indonesia intends to use this membership to advocate for a more inclusive and equitable global order, fostering multilateral cooperation based on equality and sustainable development.

While Indonesia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs is enthusiastic about the opportunities BRICS membership offers, experts caution about potential drawbacks.

Mohammad Faisal, Executive Director of the Center of Reform on Economics (CORE) Indonesia, warned that Indonesia’s membership in BRICS could complicate its bid to join the OECD. With the ongoing tensions between the OECD and BRICS, particularly between the US and BRICS nations, Faisal suggested that Indonesia may face challenges in balancing these two affiliations.

The OECD, which consists predominantly of developed nations, could view Indonesia’s ties to BRICS as a conflict of interest, potentially delaying or hindering its accession process. Faisal emphasized that Indonesia’s economic characteristics and interests align more closely with BRICS than with the OECD, which represents mainly advanced economies. This raises important questions about how Indonesia will navigate these competing geopolitical and economic interests.

Despite these challenges, Indonesia remains committed to playing an active role in global affairs. The Indonesian government has made it clear that it aims to use its membership in BRICS to advance its economic and diplomatic goals. This strategic move underscores Indonesia’s ambition to diversify its international alliances and contribute to shaping a new, multipolar world order that reflects the interests of developing nations.

As Indonesia moves forward with its BRICS membership and OECD accession efforts, its ability to balance these two organizations will be closely monitored. The outcome of this balancing act could determine Indonesia’s future role on the global stage, as it seeks to assert its influence and secure benefits for its growing economy. Indonesia’s diplomatic agility will be key to navigating the complexities of these global alliances.

In conclusion, Indonesia’s consideration of joining BRICS reflects the country’s strategic foresight in an increasingly uncertain world. By engaging with both BRICS and the OECD, Indonesia aims to strengthen its position in the global arena while ensuring that its economic and political interests are well-represented. As the situation unfolds, it will be crucial for Indonesia to carefully manage its relationships with both blocs to avoid potential conflicts and maximize the benefits of its international partnerships. (Uki Ruknuddin)

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