By: Made Prawira)*
President Prabowo Subianto’s presence at the BRICS 2025 Summit is not just a diplomatic symbol, but a strategic step that reflects Indonesia’s new direction on the global stage. In this visit, President Prabowo not only strengthened Indonesia’s position as a full member of BRICS, but also emphasized Indonesia’s active role as a bridge between nations in facing increasingly complex world challenges.
President Prabowo arrived at Galeao Air Base Airport, Rio de Janeiro, on Saturday (5/7) morning Brasilia time. This visit is a continuation of his international diplomacy marathon, after previously visiting the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Prabowo’s arrival was warmly welcomed by representatives of the Brazilian government and the ranks of the Indonesian Embassy in Brasilia. Also welcoming were the Indonesian diaspora living in Brazil, including the Head of the Indonesian Diaspora in Sao Paulo, Isaque Hattu, who expressed his joy at the visit.
On that occasion, Isaque said that although the number of Indonesian diaspora in Brazil is not large, the spirit of nationalism and love for the country remains burning. He even shared the story of his family’s origins from Maluku and Kupang, which was immediately warmly welcomed by President Prabowo. The friendly atmosphere reflects the President’s sensitivity and openness to the diaspora community, while strengthening the emotional connection between the country’s leaders and their citizens abroad.
Prabowo’s presence at the BRICS Summit in Rio de Janeiro marks a new chapter in Indonesia’s active participation in the developing countries’ cooperation forum. Since officially becoming a full member of BRICS on January 1, 2025, Indonesia has demonstrated its commitment to actively engage in various strategic meetings, including more than 165 forums and 20 ministerial-level meetings. This forum has become a very important stage to fight for national interests and strengthen Global South solidarity.
The Indonesian Ministry of Foreign Affairs said that President Prabowo will use this momentum to voice Indonesia’s position as a bridge builder—a bridge between countries—in responding to various global issues. With the world facing geopolitical challenges, economic tensions, and climate and health crises, Indonesia wants to emphasize its position as a country that actively promotes more inclusive, fair, and collaborative global governance.
On the sidelines of the main forum, Prabowo is also scheduled to hold a number of bilateral meetings with leaders of friendly countries, including the Brazilian government. The focus of cooperation includes trade, energy, defense, and food security—strategic areas that are national priorities in building economic strength and national resilience in the future. With Indonesia’s capacity as a member of the G20 and a member of BRICS, Indonesia’s bargaining position in establishing strategic partnerships is now stronger and more important.
The BRICS Summit this time carries the theme “Strengthening Global South Cooperation towards a More Inclusive and Sustainable Governance.” More than 30 leaders of countries, including partner countries and international organizations, are present at this major event. They will discuss global issues such as geopolitical conflicts, artificial intelligence (AI) governance, climate action, and reform of the international financial system. The forum will also produce a Leaders’ Declaration that reflects a shared commitment to strengthening cross-country cooperation to face global challenges together.
President Prabowo’s presence in a forum as big as this shows that Indonesia is no longer on the fringes of global discourse. On the contrary, Indonesia now stands in the middle of important world discourse and actively contributes ideas and solutions. Prabowo’s visionary attitude and active diplomacy are a breath of fresh air for Indonesia’s image as a country that is able to connect differences, encourage constructive dialogue, and bridge the interests of many parties.
The momentum of the BRICS Summit also brings a new spirit to Indonesian diplomacy that is not only reactive, but also proactive and brave in taking a role. President Prabowo’s steps must be seen as a collective effort by the nation to move up a class in the global arena. By placing Indonesia as part of a more balanced and just world geopolitical architecture, Prabowo’s leadership brings great hope for the future of a nation that is more independent, respected, and influential.
From Brazil, a strong signal has been sent to the world: Indonesia is ready to take on global responsibility, not as a spectator, but as a leading actor in creating a shared future of peace, justice, and sustainability. In this case, Prabowo does not merely represent Indonesia, but carries the spirit of all Indonesians who yearn for progress and dignity in world relations.
)* The author is an observer of international relations
