BRICS dan Posisi Indonesia di Panggung Internasional Ft Yose Rizal Danuri

Summary

In this *Bisnis Indonesia* podcast, Ajeng Dinanti and Yose Rizal Damuri, Director of CSIS, discuss Indonesia's international strategy, focusing on its potential membership in BRICS. While Indonesia seeks to remain 'free and active' in global politics, joining BRICS presents challenges due to the bloc's shifting focus from economic issues to geopolitical and security concerns. Damuri highlights Indonesia's preference for utilizing platforms like G20 and South-South Cooperation to push its interests, emphasizing the need for a balanced foreign policy. The conversation also touches on Indonesia's ongoing reform process for OECD membership and the complexities of navigating international relations.

Takeaways

• 😀 Indonesia's foreign policy is guided by the principle of 'bebas dan aktif' (free and active), aiming to stay neutral while actively contributing to global peace and stability.
• 😀 BRICS, originally an economic bloc, is increasingly focused on geopolitical and security issues, which may not align with Indonesia's economic interests.
• 😀 BRICS membership could offer Indonesia strategic advantages, but the economic benefits are not as clear-cut, especially as the bloc's focus shifts away from economic collaboration.
• 😀 Geopolitical challenges exist within BRICS, as member countries like China, India, and Russia have differing interests, which could complicate Indonesia’s participation.
• 😀 The push for dedollarization within BRICS, advocating for alternatives to the US dollar, may not align with Indonesia's preference for local currency settlement in trade.
• 😀 Instead of joining BRICS, Indonesia could strengthen its position within existing forums like G20 and ASEAN, where it already plays a significant role in regional and global affairs.
• 😀 ASEAN could be a powerful regional entity for Indonesia to advocate for its interests, potentially pushing for ASEAN’s inclusion in the G20, which would elevate Indonesia’s influence.
• 😀 Indonesia has significant diplomatic connections with other countries, thanks in part to the leadership of figures like Prabowo Subianto, which could help advance Indonesia's international goals.
• 😀 The public’s perception of geopolitical alliances, especially with countries like Russia, can influence Indonesia’s foreign policy, requiring clear communication of the benefits and strategic rationale behind such decisions.
• 😀 Indonesia’s emphasis on active international engagement is key to strengthening its role in the global arena, balancing its economic, security, and diplomatic priorities effectively.

Q & A

What is Indonesia's current stance on joining BRICS?

Indonesia has expressed interest in joining BRICS, but the decision is still under assessment. While Indonesia has shown interest in the bloc, there is skepticism surrounding the economic benefits, and the geopolitical dynamics within BRICS, such as internal divisions, pose challenges.

What does Indonesia's foreign policy of 'free and active' mean in this context?

The 'free and active' foreign policy emphasizes Indonesia's independence in international affairs. It means that Indonesia avoids aligning itself with any one bloc, maintaining neutrality and flexibility while actively contributing to global peace and stability.

What are the strategic motivations for Indonesia to join BRICS?

Indonesia sees BRICS as a potential platform to enhance its geopolitical standing and economic position. The country hopes to leverage BRICS for better international influence and economic cooperation, as long as it aligns with Indonesia’s broader strategic goals.

What challenges does Indonesia face in joining BRICS?

The main challenges include the internal disagreements among BRICS members, such as the ongoing rivalry between India and China. Additionally, BRICS has shifted its focus from economics to geopolitics, which could dilute the economic benefits for Indonesia.

How has BRICS evolved since its formation, and why does this matter to Indonesia?

BRICS, originally focused on economic cooperation, has increasingly dealt with geopolitical issues and security concerns. This shift makes BRICS less of an economic platform and more of a counter-narrative to existing global orders, which could complicate Indonesia’s involvement and its alignment with the bloc's changing priorities.

How does Indonesia’s approach to economic issues, like dedollarization, differ from BRICS' agenda?

While BRICS has focused heavily on dedollarization, Indonesia has pursued a separate agenda through local currency settlement (LCS). Indonesia believes that LCS could be a more viable alternative to BRICS' dedollarization agenda, offering greater economic benefits.

What is the significance of the G20 for Indonesia’s foreign policy?

The G20 is a key forum for Indonesia to engage with both developed and developing countries. It allows Indonesia to strengthen bilateral relations, advance economic and geopolitical interests, and play a more active role in shaping global economic policies.

What role could ASEAN play in Indonesia's international strategy?

ASEAN is a critical component of Indonesia's strategy, and it is suggested that ASEAN could benefit from stronger representation in global forums like the G20. Indonesia could use its leadership within ASEAN to promote regional interests and enhance its diplomatic influence globally.

How does Indonesia view the internal dynamics within BRICS, especially regarding countries like Russia and China?

Indonesia is cautious about the internal disagreements within BRICS, particularly the geopolitical tensions between major players like Russia and China. These internal conflicts could undermine the potential for effective cooperation within the bloc, making Indonesia's participation uncertain.

How does the potential membership in BRICS compare with Indonesia's pursuit of OECD membership?

OECD membership is seen as a way for Indonesia to improve its internal reforms, particularly in governance and economic policy. While BRICS focuses on external geopolitical dynamics, OECD membership would help Indonesia strengthen its domestic economic structures and improve its international reputation.