Recently,IndonesiaForeign Minister Sukarno announced Indonesia's intention to formally seek membership in the BRICS countries. This move not only reflects the foreign policy principles of Indonesian President Prabowo, but also has sparked widespread attention and discussion among ASEAN member states.

It is reported that the principle of "good neighborly" foreign policy proposed by President Prabowo has always been the core of Indonesia's diplomacy. However, the decision to seek membership in the BRICS countries has to some extent surprised many people. Shafiya, Deputy Executive Director of the Indonesian Center for Strategic and International Studies, stated that Prabowo's emphasis on a diplomatic and neighborly attitude during the election campaign was interpreted by many as a signal that Indonesia is more inclined towards the West. Therefore, this decision "shocked" many people in Jakarta's foreign policy community.

However, Indonesia's decision to join the BRICS countries is not without trace. President Prabowo stated in an interview that Indonesia's future membership in the BRICS group will expand global partnerships, making Indonesia not just a part of a specific group. This viewpoint has received support from many experts and scholars in Indonesia. Ladito, an international relations lecturer at the University of Surabaya, believes that this move aims to enhance Indonesia's global status and reshape Prabowo's image as a leader of the global South.

From an economic perspective, joining the BRICS countries will undoubtedly bring more opportunities for Indonesia. As representatives of emerging markets and developing countries, BRICS countries have a broad foundation and potential for cooperation in areas such as economy, politics, and security. After joining the BRICS, Indonesia will be able to share development opportunities with other member countries and jointly address global challenges.

However, Indonesia's decision has also sparked attention and discussion among ASEAN member states. Some countries are concerned that Indonesia's accession to the BRICS may weaken its position and influence in ASEAN. But Radito believes that such concerns are unnecessary. He stated that Prabowo's goal is to strengthen Indonesia's international status while maintaining Indonesia's position as an ASEAN leader. Indonesia's accession to the BRICS countries will not make it give up the important regional cooperation platform of ASEAN.

In fact, Indonesia's position and influence in ASEAN cannot be ignored. As one of the founding members of ASEAN, Indonesia has always been committed to promoting the development and prosperity of ASEAN. After joining the BRICS countries, Indonesia will be able to better leverage this platform to play its role in ASEAN and contribute more wisdom and strength to the development of ASEAN.