In an exclusive interview with ANTARA, Minister sugiono addressed concerns that Indonesia’s BRICS membership might signal a shift towards alignment with major global powers. “Our history clearly demonstrates that taking sides with one power bloc inevitably leads to division within our society,” he stated, emphasizing the nation’s long-standing commitment to a free and active foreign policy.

BRICS,an association of emerging economies including Brazil,russia,India,China,and South Africa,has recently expanded to BRICS+ with the inclusion of several new member nations,Indonesia among them. Sugiono highlighted that this move is a strategic extension of Indonesia’s established foreign policy, which has seen the country participate in other meaningful international forums such as APEC and pursue accession to the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD).

The decision to join BRICS, he explained, was the result of extensive and careful deliberation. He further noted that BRICS serves as a crucial platform for amplifying the voices and interests of developing nations within the Global South.President Prabowo Subianto‘s vision for Indonesia is to be a “good neighbor,” fostering relationships built on mutual respect and anchored in national interests.

To this end, the Foreign Ministry is actively engaged in continuous communication with amiable nations to strengthen bilateral ties. A significant development occurred at the 2025 BRICS Summit in Rio de Janeiro,where President Prabowo and Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva agreed to champion the spirit of the Bandung asian-African Conference. This initiative aims to accelerate progress for developing countries, recognizing Indonesia’s pivotal role in inspiring the Global South as the historic 1955 conference.