Indonesia’s recent push for BRICS membership under President Prabowo Subianto highlights his “good neighbor” foreign policy but raises questions about ASEAN’s future role in Indonesia’s diplomatic priorities. Prabowo’s guiding principle, “a thousand friends are too few, one enemy is too many,” has led Jakarta toward BRICS—a group led by China and Russia, often seen as a counterbalance to Western influence.
During the BRICS summit in Kazan, Russia, on October 24, Foreign Minister Sugiono confirmed Indonesia’s intent to join, citing both economic and geopolitical motivations to bolster “Global South solidarity.” Prabowo also noted that joining BRICS would strengthen Indonesia’s global partnerships, moving beyond exclusive alignment with specific blocs.
Sugiono criticized the limitations of the current multilateral order, particularly in addressing conflicts like those in Gaza and Lebanon, suggesting that BRICS offers a fresh approach aligned with Indonesia’s own policies on poverty reduction and food security.
A Surprising Shift in Foreign Policy
Indonesia’s interest in BRICS membership represents a departure from former President Joko Widodo’s stance, who hesitated on BRICS, arguing that further studies were required. Analysts like Shafiah Muhibat from the Centre for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) say Prabowo’s swift pivot “surprised many,” as his “good neighbor” policy could signal a shift closer to countries countering Western influence.
Political observers view the move as part of Prabowo’s strategy to position himself among prominent leaders in BRICS, such as China’s Xi Jinping and India’s Narendra Modi. Radityo Dharmaputra, a lecturer at the University of Airlangga, adds that Prabowo’s involvement with BRICS reflects his aspiration to amplify Indonesia’s international standing through global partnerships while continuing to advocate for Global South priorities, including at Western forums like the G20.
An Evolving ASEAN Role Amid Global Aspirations
Prabowo’s BRICS ambitions have raised questions regarding the role of ASEAN in his foreign policy. Since taking office, he has not explicitly mentioned ASEAN in key speeches, prompting concerns among Southeast Asian nations about Indonesia’s long-term commitment to the 10-member bloc. Analysts suggest that while ASEAN remains crucial to Prabowo’s strategy, Indonesia’s role as a leader within ASEAN may now coexist with a more prominent global agenda through BRICS.
Prabowo’s approach, while elevating Indonesia’s role on a world stage, may bring a more assertive diplomatic style. Indonesia’s alignment with the Global South dates back to the Bandung Conference of the 1950s, and Prabowo appears committed to this legacy, positioning Indonesia as a key advocate for developing nations.
ASEAN’s Continued Relevance in Indonesia’s Vision
Despite concerns, Radityo argues that Prabowo likely views ASEAN as a vital component of his broader foreign policy goals. Indonesia’s leadership role within ASEAN remains fundamental, and its BRICS involvement may only enhance its influence within the bloc by positioning Indonesia at a “higher level” internationally. Shafiah from CSIS also emphasizes that joining BRICS doesn’t imply that Indonesia will deprioritize ASEAN but could represent an evolution in its diplomatic outreach.
