Indonesia’s move to join Brics signals Prabowo’s global ambitions – but risks loom

[JAKARTA] Indonesia’s full membership in Brics – the alliance among founding countries Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa – is expected to beef up President Prabowo Subianto’s strategic ambition of attracting more foreign investments in an increasingly complex, multipolar world.

Market observers say the latest move to join the grouping led by China and Russia also reflects Indonesia’s aim to broaden its alliances and strengthen its geopolitical flexibility.

Dedi Dinarto, lead Indonesia analyst at the public policy advisory firm Global Counsel, said Indonesia’s entry into Brics positions the country to be nimble and ready for any shift away from Western-led systems.