Indonesia Joins BRICS as a Partner Country Under New Diplomatic Status

Indonesia has officially become one of 13 new BRICS partner countries, a development resulting from months of speculation and revealed during Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi’s first overseas trip after her inauguration. This partnership allows Indonesia to collaborate with an economic group that aims to challenge Western dominance and seeks a more multipolar world. The status, however, does not provide full membership rights. Other newly recognized partners include Malaysia, Thailand, Vietnam, Turkey, and Cuba.

On Thursday, Indonesia was officially recognized as one of 13 new BRICS partner countries, a development that has emerged after considerable speculation regarding Jakarta’s interest in joining the economic alliance comprising Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa. This announcement came during Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi’s inaugural overseas trip following her recent inauguration, marking a significant milestone for Indonesia on the global economic stage. The new partnership opens avenues for Indonesia to engage in collaborative efforts within a group that seeks to challenge the traditional Western-centric global hierarchy. This development was highlighted during a three-day summit held in Kazan, Russia, where leaders from BRICS congregated to discuss moving towards a more multipolar world, in light of increasing dissatisfaction with existing Western-led institutions. The summit, chaired by Russian President Vladimir Putin, prominently featured discussions aimed at reducing reliance on the United States dollar and expanding BRICS’ membership, aspiring to foster a “more inclusive and representative global order.” As reported by Russia’s state news agency TASS, alongside Indonesia, other countries such as Malaysia, Thailand, Vietnam, Turkey, and Cuba were also granted partnership status. However, it is essential to note that this status does not equate to full membership; partner countries will lack voting rights on bloc matters and will not enjoy complete participation privileges at meetings and summits. Kremlin officials have indicated that dialogues with the new partners regarding their readiness for full membership will continue.

The BRICS economic group has gained significance as a counterweight to traditional Western powers by promoting a more diversified international economic order. Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa have convened under this grouping to discuss critical global issues and strategies for economic collaboration, particularly in the wake of geopolitical tensions and shifts in global alliances. Indonesia’s ascension to the status of a partner country represents a noteworthy strategic move by Jakarta to strengthen its collaborative ties with these emerging economies and enhance its influence in global affairs, especially as the world debates the post-pandemic economic landscape.

In summary, Indonesia’s new partnership status within BRICS signifies a pivotal step toward greater involvement in a coalition aiming to reshape the global economic landscape. With ongoing discussions about potential full membership for the partner countries, Indonesia stands to benefit from enhanced international cooperation while contributing to the call for a more multipolar world. This partnership reflects Indonesia’s proactive stance in global diplomacy as it seeks equitable representation in global governance structures.

Original Source: www.thejakartapost.com