By: Lina Kurniawati )*
The presence of the President of the Republic of Indonesia Prabowo Subianto at the 2025 BRICS Summit marks a new chapter in the history of Indonesian diplomacy. Held in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, on 6–7 July 2025, this forum marks Indonesia’s debut as a full member of BRICS. This momentum is not just a ceremonial presence, but rather an affirmation that Indonesia is committed to taking a strategic role as a bridge of dialogue between Global South countries and the world’s great powers.
Since officially becoming a full member on 1 January 2025, Indonesia has demonstrated consistency in strengthening its involvement in the BRICS forum. More than 165 meetings have been actively attended, including 20 ministerial-level meetings. This involvement confirms that Indonesia’s membership is not merely symbolic, but is a form of substantial participation in formulating a new direction for inclusive and equitable global governance.
The Indonesian Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that President Prabowo will use this forum to emphasize Indonesia’s position as a bridge builder or liaison of interests between countries amidst global dynamics. As a democratic country with a large population and the largest economy in Southeast Asia, Indonesia has the legitimacy to play that role. Moreover, Indonesia’s strategic geographical position makes it a natural liaison between Asia, the Pacific, and other regions.
It is important to note that the 2025 BRICS Summit carries the theme Strengthening Global South Cooperation to a More Inclusive and Sustainable Governance. This theme is in line with the principles that Indonesia has always upheld, namely fighting for a world order that is not exclusive to great powers, but rather opens up wider space for the contribution of developing countries in formulating the global agenda. In this context, Indonesia’s active participation is a representation of the spirit of constructive global South solidarity.
Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs Airlangga Hartarto emphasized that Indonesia’s presence at the BRICS forum will focus on strengthening economic and financial cooperation. As a country with a rapidly growing digital economy, Indonesia has great potential in encouraging synergies in technology, trade, and investment between BRICS members. This is also an opportunity to strengthen global supply chain connectivity through fair and sustainable policies.
Active participation in BRICS also provides space for Indonesia to advocate for more democratic global governance reforms. When development inequality and global economic inequality are still major issues, the voice of developing countries like Indonesia is crucial. Involvement in this forum provides additional legitimacy for Indonesia to voice the need for a more representative, transparent, and balanced international system.
The bilateral agenda scheduled in Brasília after the forum also reflects Indonesia’s seriousness in developing cross-regional relations. Deputy Minister of Finance Thomas Djiwandono said that the bilateral meeting with the Brazilian government would focus on strategic cooperation in the energy, food, and defense sectors. This step is part of Indonesia’s foreign approach that is adaptive to national needs as well as contextual to global dynamics.
Of course, BRICS membership also opens up space for collaboration on technology and innovation. Issues such as artificial intelligence (AI), energy transition, and climate change are the main topics of discussion in the forum. For Indonesia, collaboration in this field is not only about adaptation, but also an opportunity to strengthen national capabilities. In an era of inevitable disruption, strategic partnerships in technology will be the key to the nation’s competitiveness.
No less important, Indonesia’s involvement in BRICS also has a significant geopolitical dimension. Amidst the rivalry between major power blocs, Indonesia’s neutral and inclusive position provides space for a role as a mediator and bridge of interests. This is in line with the doctrine of an active and free foreign policy that has been the basis of Indonesia’s foreign policy from the start.
The BRICS forum is not just an economic alliance, but a transformational forum that encourages an alternative global order. In this context, Indonesia has the opportunity to influence the new architecture of the world while maintaining national interests. BRICS provides an ideal platform for Indonesia to project a vision of inclusive, fair, and sustainable development, without having to submit to the dichotomy of major powers.
With increasingly complex global dynamics, Indonesia’s presence in forums such as BRICS also brings added value to regional diplomacy. Indonesia’s position as the leader of ASEAN is increasingly relevant in encouraging synergy between Ashe Southeast and other Global South countries. This shows that Indonesia does not only think in national terms, but also has a broad and progressive geopolitical perspective.
Indonesia’s involvement in this forum needs to be seen as part of the grand narrative of the rise of Indonesia’s strategic diplomacy. In facing global challenges, such as climate change, economic inequality, and food and energy crises, Indonesia chooses not to be a spectator. Instead, through full membership in BRICS, Indonesia confirms its role as a major actor in formulating the global agenda going forward.
Thus, the 2025 BRICS Summit is a stage for Indonesia to emphasize its global identity—not just as a developing country, but as a balancing force capable of connecting various interests in a changing world order. Visionary leadership, active diplomacy, and progressive foreign policy are strong foundations for Indonesia in building a more inclusive and equitable global future.
)* International Policy Analyst
