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October 27, 2024 | 06:27 pm
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Lecturer of International Relations at Andalas University (Unand) in West Sumatra, Virtuous Setyaka, evaluates Indonesia's effort to join BRICS could enhance Indonesia's influence in the international system, but it could also pose some challenges that need to be carefully considered. Hence, a thorough consideration is needed to make such decision.
"Certainly, this has its positive impact, but challenges also need to be carefully considered," he said when contacted by Tempo on Friday, October 25, 2024.
According to him, joining BRICS could offer Indonesia significant opportunities to expand economic partnerships. BRICS, representing around three billion people, offers potential export markets for Indonesian products, such as agricultural products, textiles, and electronics.
"With trade tensions between the West and the East, diversification is important for our economic resilience," he said. This alliance will also help reduce the negative impact of global instability on Indonesia's economy.
Furthermore, another major benefit is the access to the New Development Bank (NDB), a development bank established by BRICS countries. For Indonesia, which still needs significant investment in infrastructure, the NDB can be an alternative source of funding.
"If NDB funds can enter underdeveloped areas, this will certainly boost regional economic growth," he said.
In terms of geopolitics, if Indonesia joins BRICS, Indonesia's position on the international stage is predicted to strengthen further. As a member of BRICS, Indonesia will have direct access to international forums that allow advocating for the interests of developing countries in global issues, such as economic reform and climate change.
"Indonesia's position will become more strategic, especially in advocating for more fair policies. This participation is also in line with Indonesia's long-standing active foreign policy," he said.
On the other hand, joining BRICS also brings challenges. BRICS countries have diverse national interests and ideologies, often conflicting with Western countries. This could put Indonesia in a difficult position, considering the good relations that have been maintained with the United States and Europe.
Another challenge is the risk of new dependency on the BRICS economy. If one country experiences a crisis or conflict, this could directly impact Indonesia's economic stability. "This dependency risk needs to be anticipated," he said.
Furthermore, in terms of sustainability, infrastructure projects funded by the NDB need to adhere to strict environmental standards. Indonesia, facing environmental issues such as deforestation and pollution, needs to be cautious to ensure that rapid development does not harm the environment. Environmental activists emphasize that environmental standards are key to ensuring that this development does not damage the long-term ecosystem.
Virtuous suggests that the Indonesian government carefully reconsider the decision to join BRICS. On one hand, there are promising opportunities, while on the other hand, there are challenges that require strategy and caution.
Prior to the press release from the Indonesian Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Friday, October 25, 2024, Indonesia expressed its desire to join BRICS at the BRICS Plus summit in Kazan, Russia on October 23-24, 2024. With this announcement, Indonesia's process of becoming a member of BRICS has begun.
BRICS is an informal group initially consisting of Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa. The group was first initiated in 2006 to discuss current global issues. Its membership was expanded in 2023 with the addition of Ethiopia, Iran, Egypt, and the United Arab Emirates.
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