Jakarta (ANTARA) - The Indonesian Government needs to clearly communicate and articulate its position to the international community after becoming the 10th member of the BRICS intergovernmental grouping, according to an economist from Paramadina University, Wijayanto Samirin.He argued that a clear stance is paramount for Indonesia to avoid misperception among global actors, especially leaders of Western nations and business players.
"In my view, following its accession to BRICS, Indonesia needs to make its position clear. It is vital that the Foreign Affairs Minister (Sugiono) openly elaborate on Indonesia's stance, including through international news outlets," he told ANTARA here on Thursday.
Samirin then suggested that the government place emphasis on four key points while clarifying Indonesia's global outlook.
First, he said, Minister Sugiono should echo Indonesia's commitment to actively enhancing BRICS' role in driving international economic cooperation, with the aim of stimulating growth while ensuring equality.
Samirin also emphasized the need for the government to assure the international community that Indonesia favors improving the existing international payment system rather than pursuing fundamental changes, such as the idea of using a BRICS currency to challenge the US dollar.
He then highlighted the third key point, urging the Indonesian Government to proceed with the ongoing accession to the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) while stressing that OECD is not at odds with BRICS.
In this regard, he said that a BRICS membership would instead help Indonesia bolster its bargaining power among OECD nations.Elaborating on the final point, Samirin underscored the importance of Indonesia reaffirming its commitment to its non-aligned geopolitical principle despite joining BRICS.
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Furthermore, the academician expressed confidence about Indonesia's BRICS seat creating more potential for beneficial cooperation in various areas, including technology, food, and climate change.
On Monday, Brazil, as the 2025 chair of BRICS, officially recognized Indonesia as the newest full member of the bloc, which also comprises Russia, India, China, South Africa, Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, and the United Arab Emirates.
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The Indonesian Foreign Affairs Ministry also issued a release, affirming the country's commitment to actively contributing to BRICS agendas, including those pertaining to economic resilience, technological cooperation, and sustainable development.
Indonesia is also determined to fulfill its role within BRICS by addressing global challenges, such as climate change, food resilience, and public health, while striving for an inclusive and just global order.
