New Foreign Minister Sugiono affirmed that Indonesia's joining BRICS demonstrates the country's independent foreign policy. (Source: Reuters)

The above statement was made by the Indonesian Ministry of Foreign Affairs on the evening of October 24 when BRICS leaders attended the bloc's Summit in Kazan city (Russia).

According to new Indonesian Foreign Minister Sugiono, Indonesia's joining BRICS demonstrates the country's independent foreign policy.

"This move does not mean that we will only join a certain bloc, we will actively participate in all forums," Mr. Sugiono emphasized.

Indonesia is a country that pursues a non-aligned foreign policy.

Previously, new President Prabowo Subianto, who took office on October 20, repeatedly emphasized that Indonesia would befriend all countries, whether China or the United States. In particular, Jakarta would not join any military bloc.

According to Foreign Minister Sugiono, BRICS fits into the main programs of President Prabowo's government, "especially on food and energy security, poverty reduction and human resource development".

In addition, Indonesia also sees this group as a "vehicle" to promote the interests of Southern countries.

Russian President Vladimir Putin has said that more than 30 countries have expressed interest in joining BRICS, although it remains unclear how this expansion will take place.

Current members of BRICS include Brazil, China, Egypt, Ethiopia, India, Iran, Russia, South Africa and the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

Yohanes Sulaiman, professor of international relations at Jenderal Achmad Yani University, expressed skepticism about Indonesia joining BRICS because of the benefits Jakarta wants to gain from bilateral relations, however, according to the expert, this shows that Indonesia does not want to be left behind.

Professor Sulaiman also commented that Indonesia's move does not mean that President Prabowo's foreign policy is more inclined towards the East than the West.