Observer: BRICS must serve as a beneficial economic instrument for Indonesia

Jakarta (ANTARA) - Andrea Abdul Rahman Azzqy, an International Relations observer at Budi Luhur University, has highlighted the need for the Indonesian government to ensure that the BRICS summit can be utilised as an economic instrument, rather than being merely a visit.

“BRICS must become an economic instrument, not just a stage for rhetoric or a mere visit,” Andrea told ANTARA in Jakarta on Thursday.

He noted that Indonesia’s presence at the BRICS summit in India takes place amidst increasingly challenging foreign policy conditions. Under the administration of President Prabowo, ‘free and active’ diplomacy faces tests as relations with traditional partners such as the US, Russia, and EU nations are perceived to be weakening due to tariff tensions and the Palestine issue.

Meanwhile, BRICS membership, according to him, could open new spaces for market access, development financing, as well as food and energy security agendas. “The most realistic target is to ensure concrete benefits for national interests, rather than just the symbolism of membership,” he said.

To achieve this, the key to the success of Indonesia’s participation in the intergovernmental organisation is ensuring the BRICS summit can serve as an instrument to boost the Indonesian economy, instead of being just a scheduled visit.

Furthermore, Andrea stated that Indonesia’s success in the BRICS summit must be measured through real results, including increased trade, targeted investment, and diplomatic recognition of Indonesia’s position as an independent middle power.

In his view, the 2026 BRICS momentum could serve as both an opportunity and a test to see whether Indonesian diplomacy is capable of emerging from the shadows of a foreign policy currently deemed to be weakening.

BRICS is a group of developing nations that play a significant role in the global economy. The intergovernmental organisation consists of core members, namely Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa, as well as other members such as Egypt, Iran, Ethiopia, the United Arab Emirates, and Indonesia.

The BRICS summit is scheduled to be held in New Delhi on 12–13 September 2026.