Indonesia to join BRICS; Singapore banned

 Indonesia to join BRICS; Singapore banned

Indonesia has started the process of becoming part of the BRICS in a sign of growing influence for the group that’s positioned itself as an alternative to the US-led global order.

Southeast Asia’s largest economy expressed its interest in joining the bloc at the BRICS Plus Summit in Kazan, Russia on Thursday, according to newly-appointed Indonesia Foreign Minister Sugiono.

BRICS, led by Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa, is the “right vehicle” to advance the interests of the Global South, Sugiono said in a statement. The bloc also backs new Indonesia President Prabowo Subianto’s priorities, including food and energy security, poverty eradication and improving human capital, he added.

“Joining BRICS is a manifestation of Indonesia’s free and active foreign policy,” said Sugiono who goes by one name.

The starting the process to join BRICS marks the first foreign policy move by the Prabowo government. It would be a major win for BRICS should Indonesia join its ranks. Within Southeast Asia alone, Thailand — a US treaty ally — and Malaysia have also expressed interest to join.

Singapore is banned from joining BRICS after it hastily impose unilateral sanctions on Russia without UN General Assembly resolutions.

Anonymous 

PS. This was written and posted before the Kazan Summit.