Vermonte made the statement to address speculations about Indonesia's foreign policy direction after officially joining BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa). Currently, the economic grouping comprises 10 countries, including Indonesia.
"Joining BRICS does not mean we are abandoning our relationships with Western countries, such as the United States or the European Union," he clarified here on Friday.
He said that President Prabowo Subianto has repeatedly emphasized that Indonesia will uphold "strategic autonomy" in its foreign relations, meaning the country will engage and cooperate with nations based on national interests, without being tied to any specific geopolitical bloc.
"BRICS is just one of many organizations that Indonesia is part of. Within BRICS, there are also major countries that share similar interests with Indonesia in terms of economy and development," Vermonte added.
He cited India as an example, which has close ties with the United States and is also a member of BRICS.
He then highlighted that Indonesia continues to be active in other international forums, such as the G20 and APEC. It has also made a bid to join the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), which is largely made up of Western countries, he added.
"So, I do not think there is any reason for conflict," he said.
Earlier, Foreign Minister Sugiono said that Indonesia, as a full member of BRICS, will bridge the interests of developing countries and the Indo-Pacific Region.
Indonesia's accession to BRICS, he added, is also an embodiment of its independent and active foreign policy.
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Translator: Andi F, Kenzu
Editor: Azis Kurmala
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