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| Ruli Inayah Ramadhoan, M.Si a lecturer of International Realation (HI) University of Muhammadiyah Malang (UMM) (Photo :special) |
Recently, Indonesia officially joined the global organization BRICS, which has garnered widespread positive responses and support from the Indonesian public. One such response came from Ruli Inayah Ramadhoan, M.Si., a lecturer in International Relations at Universitas Muhammadiyah Malang (UMM). She stated that it is not only Indonesia that has an interest in joining BRICS, but BRICS also has its own interests in Indonesia.
"Indonesia's entry into BRICS has been eagerly anticipated by the member countries. According to him, aside from its vast market potential, Indonesia is also one of the leading countries in ASEAN. Therefore, it is hoped that in the future, Indonesia will be able to influence the behavior of other Southeast Asian countries to join BRICS as well," he explained.
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When asked about the reasons behind Indonesia's decision to join BRICS, Ruli pointed out that national interests in the economic and political sectors are the driving factors behind Indonesia's entry. Indonesia must strive to become a major player like China or India, capable of capturing the global market through its MSMEs. BRICS can serve as a key alternative to enhance Indonesia's bargaining position amidst the West's double standards. For example, the halt in Indonesia's CPO distribution to the European Union, export quota restrictions, and the threat of rising tariff and non-tariff barriers under Donald Trump's administration. In the future, Indonesia can sell CPO or diversify its CPO products to BRICS countries.
Rationally calculated, joining BRICS brings significant political and economic benefits. Access to global markets for local products has been widely opened, but if Indonesia's MSMEs are not prepared, it will all be in vain. The main task is to boost MSMEs so they can produce competitive products for international markets. Additionally, membership in BRICS will increase investment opportunities. "President Prabowo's administration's optimism in achieving 8 percent economic growth could be realized due to the high potential for attracting direct investments from BRICS countries," he added.
On the other hand, Ruli revealed that although Indonesia's entry into BRICS presents a significant opportunity, it also poses considerable diplomatic challenges. The main challenge for Indonesia moving forward is how to maintain balanced relations with great powers, particularly the United States and its European allies. Moreover, Indonesia's inclusion in BRICS will inevitably strengthen its ties with China and Russia, which is unlikely to sit well with the United States—especially since the de-dollarization agenda pushed by BRICS countries threatens the global legitimacy of the U.S. economic power.
"We must ensure that the former unipolar power does not feel 'left behind.' Indonesia must be able to maintain balance and build cohesiveness with great powers, particularly China and the United States. Therefore, Indonesia's next agenda to join the ranks of developed countries in the OECD becomes crucial as a strategy to balance its relations with the West and BRICS, while also reaffirming Indonesia's commitment to an independent and active foreign policy," he emphasized.
According to Ruli, another benefit Indonesia can gain is the opportunity to use BRICS as a comprehensive dialogue forum with its member countries to enhance communication and mutual understanding in addressing global and regional challenges. It also serves to minimize the potential for conflicts arising from differing interests among member states. This moment highlights Indonesia's chance to actively play a role in shaping the direction of cooperation and economic policies that are mutually beneficial.
"Equally important, it is hoped that Indonesia's inclusion in BRICS can help reduce potential security threats arising from disputes between countries, such as those between China and India. Additionally, it aims to foster mutually beneficial relationships that contribute to global stability and peace," he concluded.(zaf/wil/ind)
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