Indonesia Champions Global South at BRICS Summit, Revives Bandung Spirit

JAKARTA, RAKYAT NEWS – Indonesia has reaffirmed its commitment to championing the interests of developing nations within the BRICS alliance, echoing the values of the historic 1955 Asia-Africa Conference in Bandung. At the 2025 BRICS Summit, Indonesia emphasized the importance of inclusive cooperation to reshape global governance and advance the cause of the Global South.

In a statement, Foreign Ministry spokesperson Rolliansyah “Roy” Soemirat underlined Indonesia’s position that BRICS remains a strategic platform to promote peace, development, and prosperity. “Indonesia values meaningful collaboration with both international institutions and informal groupings like BRICS to push for a fairer and more balanced world order,” he said.

Soemirat stressed that BRICS plays a pivotal role in defending the rights of developing countries to pursue their own development paths without external interference. He reiterated that Indonesia’s engagement with BRICS aligns with its long-standing foreign policy principle of being free and active, as enshrined in the 1945 Constitution.

The spirit of solidarity among developing nations was strongly felt at the summit, particularly during discussions between Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto and Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva. Both leaders invoked the Bandung spirit, calling for unity and collective action in the face of global uncertainty and rising geopolitical tensions.

President Lula lauded Indonesia for its enduring leadership in promoting the interests of the Global South. Speaking at the BRICS Peace and Security session on July 6, he credited the 1955 Bandung Conference as a transformative event that challenged Cold War divisions and laid the groundwork for a more multipolar global order.

Highlighting BRICS as a modern continuation of the Non-Aligned Movement, Lula argued that the group embodies the foundational principles of Bandung: mutual respect, non-intervention, and peaceful coexistence. He urged for deep structural reforms in the United Nations, particularly in the Security Council, to ensure better representation and legitimacy for developing countries.

Lula’s call for a reformed global governance system was echoed by Indonesian officials, who share the view that institutions like the UN must evolve to meet today’s challenges. Both countries emphasized the need for inclusive multilateralism that truly reflects the voices of all nations, not just a select few.

Indonesia also expressed strong support for BRICS-led initiatives, including efforts to establish alternative payment mechanisms and partnerships for disease control. These measures, according to the
Foreign Ministry, are consistent with the Bandung principles and demonstrate the group’s commitment to equitable development. By rekindling the spirit of Bandung, Jakarta hopes to help build a more just, cooperative, and multipolar world. (Uki Ruknuddin)