Indonesia’s Rationality in Improving The Economy Through BRICS: A World System Theory Approach
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.53866/jimi.v5i5.1025Keywords:
BRICS, Indonesia, World System Theory, Economic SovereigntyAbstract
This study analyzes Indonesia's strategic decision to join BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa) under the leadership of President Prabowo Subianto on January 6, 2025. This move reflects Indonesia's efforts to strengthen economic growth, global influence, and diplomatic capacity amid the dynamics of a multipolar world. This study uses Immanuel Wallerstein's World-System Theory approach to explain Indonesia's rationale in making this decision. The methods used are qualitative and descriptive through literature and policy analysis to examine the background, Indonesia's economic relations with BRICS, investment, and foreign policy. The results show that Indonesia, as a semi-peripheral country, is trying to move up in the world economic system and expand its trade network by taking advantage of opportunities from BRICS. Indonesia-BRICS trade is valued at USD 150 billion in 2024, while energy dependence remains at 50% on imports and 81% on fossil-based electricity. Through BRICS and institutions such as the New Development Bank and the Contingent Reserve Arrangement (CRA), Indonesia has the potential to access alternative funding and expand its export markets.
References
Adlini, M. N., Dinda, A. H., Yulinda, S., Chotimah, O., & Merliyana, S. J. (2022). Metode Penelitian Kualitatif Studi Pustaka. Edumaspul: Jurnal Pendidikan, 6(1), 974–980. Https://Doi.Org/10.33487/Edumaspul.V6i1.3394
Admin Invest Indonesia. (2023). Indonesia Has Become A Hot Spot For Chinese Investors. Invest Indonesia. Https://Investindonesia.Co.Id/2023/07/06/Indonesia-Has-Become-A-Hot-Spot-For-Chinese-Investors/
Aleksia, C., & Bakhtiar, A. R. (2023). BRICS As New Alternatives In Reforming International Financial Institutions And Economic Partnerships. Insignia: Journal Of International Relations, 10(2), 128. Https://Doi.Org/10.20884/1.Ins.2023.10.2.9135
Andrew W. Mantong, Lina A. Alexandra, D. R. (2025). Indonesia’s Strategic Dependencies. Https://Www.Csis.Or.Id/Publication/Indonesias-Strategic-Dependencies/
Andrzej Barski. (2025). Indonesia Joins The Big League: 8th Largest Economy In The World. Seven Stones. Https://Sevenstonesindonesia.Com/Blog/Indonesia-Joins-The-Big-League-8th-Largest-Economy-In-The-World/
Anthony William Donald Anastasi. (2023). Trapped In The Semi-Periphery Understanding The Middle-Income Trap From A World-Systems Theory Perspective. Journal World Systems Research, 29(1), 174–192. Https://Doi.Org/Https://Doi.Org/10.5195/Jwsr.2023.1119
Asiva Noor Rachmayani. (2015). Kepentingan Ekonomi Politik India Dalam Membentuk Kerjasama BRICS (Brazil, Rusia, India, China, South Afrika). 3(1), 6.
Ayman Falak Medina. (2024). Indonesia’s Record Investment Inflows: Key Highlights From H1 2024. Asean Briefing. Https://Www.Aseanbriefing.Com/News/Indonesias-Record-Investment-Inflows-Key-Highlights-From-H1-2024/
Benteng, A., & Amar. (2021). Teori World System Dan Pemenuhan Tenaga Kerja Kompeten. Jurnal Tekstil: Jurnal Keilmuan Dan Aplikasi Bidang Tekstil Dan Manajemen Industri, 4(1), 42–51. Https://Doi.Org/10.59432/Jute.V4i1.13
Budiman, B., & Hutama, M. R. G. (2025). Indonesia ’ S Geopolitical And Economic Projections Amidst Quad Dynamics In The Indo-Pacific. International Journal Of Economics Development Research, 6(1), 384–392. Https://Doi.Org/Https://Doi.Org/10.37385/Ijedr.V6i1.7098
Cochrane, L., Zaidan, E., & Cochrane, L. (2024). Shifting Global Dynamics : An Empirical Analysis Of BRICS + Expansion And Its Economic , Trade , And Military Implications In The Context Of The G7 The G7. Cogent Social Sciences, 10(1), 1–21. Https://Doi.Org/10.1080/23311886.2024.2333422
Daffa Shiddiq. (2024). Apa Pengaruh Bergabungnya Indonesia Dengan BRICS? Goodstats.Id. Https://Goodstats.Id/Article/Akankah-Ada-Pengaruh-Pertumbuhan-Ekonomi-Indonesia-Bergabung-Dengan-Brics-00xpd
Direktorat Akses Industri Internasional. (2025). RI Gabung BRICS, Menperin Tegaskan Dampak Positif Bagi Industri Manufaktur. Kemetrian Perindustrian. Https://Kpaii.Kemenperin.Go.Id/Id/News/Ri-Gabung-Brics-Menperin-Tegaskan-Dampak-Positif-Bagi-Industri-Manufaktur
Dony Aprian. (2025). BRICS Membership Value Economist Improves Indonesia’s Offering Position In OECD’s Eyes. Voi Indonesia. Https://Voi.Id/En/Economy/448987
Efrén, D., & Ruvalcaba, M. (2013). INSIDE THE BRIC : ANALYSIS OF THE SEMIPERIPHERAL CHARACTER OF. Austral: Brazilian Journal Of Strategy & International Relations, 141–173.
Elsa Emiria Leba. (2025). Indonesia Berselancar Dalam Ombak BRICS. Kompas. Https://Www.Kompas.Id/Artikel/Indonesia-Berselancar-Dalam-Ombak-Brics
Emedia DPR RI. (2025). Indonesia Masuk BRICS, Budi Djiwandono: Wujud Sejati Politik Bebas Aktif. Emedia DPR RI. Https://Emedia.Dpr.Go.Id/2025/01/15/Indonesia-Masuk-Brics-Budi-Djiwandono-Wujud-Sejati-Politik-Bebas-Aktif/
Fajar Hidayat. (2023). How Indonesia’s President Joko Widodo Rejuvenated Dependency Theory. The Diplomat. Https://Thediplomat.Com/2023/05/How-Indonesias-President-Joko-Widodo-Rejuvenated-Dependency-Theory/
Fazaalloh, A. M. (2024). FDI And Economic Growth In Indonesia: A Provincial And Sectoral Analysis. Journal Of Economic Structures, 13(1), 1–22. Https://Doi.Org/10.1186/S40008-023-00323-W
Febrianti, K. W., & Rosyida, H. N. (2022). Country Revitalization: Japan’s Nation Branding Post 3/11 Disaster Performed In The Tokyo Olympics 2020. Insignia: Journal Of International Relations, 9(2), 133–152. Https://Doi.Org/Https://Doi.Org/10.20884/1.Ins.2022.9.2.6824
Firmansyah, A. M., Afif, M. F., Heryadi, D., & Sari, D. S. (2024). BRICS : Tantangan Dan Peluang Dalam Tata Kelola Global. 8(1), 36–44. Https://Doi.Org/Https://Doi.Org/10.23969/Transborders.V8i1.12214
Gao Bai. (2024). Dari De-Risking Ke De-Dollarisation: Mata Uang BRICS Dan Masa Depan Tatanan Keuangan Internasional. Thetricontinental.Org.
Gómez, L., & Wall, R. S. (2022). Undercurrents In The World Economy : Evolving Global Investment Flows In The South. The World Economy, 1830–1855. Https://Doi.Org/10.1111/Twec.13219
Goverment Brazil. (2025). Brazil Announces Indonesia As Full Member Of BRICS. Goverment Brazil. Https://Www.Gov.Br/Planalto/En/Latest-News/2025/01/Brazil-Announces-Indonesia-As-Full-Member-Of-Brics
Gurjit Singh. (2025). Foreign Policy Under President Prabowo: Shaping Indonesia’s Global Role. Observer Research Foundation. Https://Www.Orfonline.Org/Expert-Speak/Foreign-Policy-Under-President-Prabowo-Shaping-Indonesia-S-Global-Role
Hao Nan. (2025). Indonesia Joins BRICS: A Strategic Step Towards Global South Empowerment. Think China. Https://Www.Thinkchina.Sg/Economy/Indonesia-Joins-Brics-Strategic-Step-Towards-Global-South-Empowerment
Herlambang, A. D., Ari, T., Mukti, W., Bagus, I., & Aditya, P. (2023). The Implications Of Indonesia ’ S Shift In Palm Oil Exports From The European Union To China : A World-Systems Theory Analysis. Liaison Journal Of Best, 2(1), 33–50. Https://Ojs.Iuli.Ac.Id/Index.Php/Best/Article/View/66
Humas. (2025). What’s In It For Indonesia By Joining BRICS? Here’s What A UMM International Relations Lecturer Says. UMM. Https://Www.Umm.Ac.Id/En/Berita/Apa-Untungnya-Indonesia-Masuk-Ke-Brics-Begini-Kata-Dosen-Hi-Umm.Html#:~:Text=Moreover%2C Indonesia’s Inclusion In BRICS,Foreign Policy%2C%22 He Emphasized.&Text=According To Ruli%2C Another Benefit,Policies That Are Mutuall
Ibrahim, M. R., Sukandar, R., & Nusantari, L. A. (2023). Indonesia ’ S Economic Advancement Through Leveraging The Geopolitical Rivalry And Geostrategic Between The USA And China In The Indo-Pacific Region. Jurnal Pertahanan, 9(2), 379–387. Https://Doi.Org/Https://Doi.Org/10.33172/Jp.V9i2.8823
Immanuel Wallerstein. (2004). World-Systems Analysis: An Introduction. Duke University Press. Https://Doi.Org/Https://Doi.Org/10.2307/J.Ctv11smzx1
Indonesia Business Post. (2024). Indonesia Hints At Joining BRICS, Reaffirms Support For Developing Countries’ Interests. Indonesia Business Post. Https://Indonesiabusinesspost.Com/3003/Politics/Indonesia-Hints-At-Joining-Brics-Reaffirms-Support-For-Developing-Countries-Interests
Istiqomah, R., & Faridatussalam, S. R. (2023). Analysis Of The Effect Of Labor Force , Exchange Rate , Foreign Direct Investment , And Export Of Goods And Services On Gross Domestic Product In 6 ASEAN Countries. International Summit On Science Technology And Humanity, 1178–1188. Https://Doi.Org/Https://Doi.Org/10.23917/Iseth.4119
Jayanty Nada Shofa. (2025). Indonesia Has To Put A Sum Of Money In BRICS’ New Development Bank To Join. Jakarta Globe. Https://Jakartaglobe.Id/Business/Indonesia-Has-To-Put-A-Sum-Of-Money-In-Brics-New-Development-Bank-To-Join
Kemenhan. (2025). Indonesia Bergabung Dengan BRICS, Apa Manfaat Sera Kerugiannya, Dan Bagaimana Strategi Pelaksanaannya? Kemhan.Go.Id.
Kevin Brave. (2025). Pengaruh Indonesia Menjadi Anggota BRICS Dalam Politik Bebas Aktif : Deviasi Atau Bukan? Binus University. Https://Binus.Ac.Id/Character-Building/2025/03/Pengaruh-Indonesia-Menjadi-Anggota-Brics-Dalam-Politik-Bebas-Aktif-Deviasi-Atau-Bukan/
Klaus Heinrich Raditio. (2024). Understanding Indonesia’s Decision To (Eventually) Join BRICS. Low Institue. Https://Www.Lowyinstitute.Org/The-Interpreter/Understanding-Indonesia-S-Decision-Eventually-Join-Brics
Lauren Mai. (2025). The Latest On Southeast Asia: Indonesia Joins BRICS. Center For Strategy And Internasional Studies. Https://Www.Csis.Org/Blogs/Latest-Southeast-Asia/Latest-Southeast-Asia-Indonesia-Joins-Brics
Lubis, A. (2015). Globalisasi Dan Kemiskinan [Universitas Medan Area]. Https://Repositori.Uma.Ac.Id/Handle/123456789/12816
Maertens, M., Colen, L., & Swinnen, J. F. M. (2011). Globalisation And Poverty In Senegal: A Worst Case Scenario? European Review Of Agricultural Economics, 38(1), 31–54. Https://Doi.Org/10.1093/Erae/Jbq053
Mahendra, Y. I. (2024). Navigating The Continuity Of Indonesia-China Relations. Intermestic: Journal Of International Studies, 9(1), 19–45. Https://Doi.Org/10.24198/Intermestic.V9n1.2
Mangeda, B. D. (2021). Berbagai Aspek Globalisasi Dan Pengaruhnya Pada Tata Hubungan Internasional. Indonesian Journal Of International Law, 4(3). Https://Doi.Org/10.17304/Ijil.Vol4.3.158
Mayara Souto. (2025). BRICS GDP Outperforms Global Average, Accounts For 40% Of World Economy. Brics Brazil. Https://Brics.Br/En/News/Brics-Gdp-Outperforms-Global-Average-Accounts-For-40-Of-World-Economy
Ministério Das Relações Exteriores. (2025). Indonesia As A New Member Of BRICS. Goverment Brazil. Https://Www.Gov.Br/Mre/En/Contact-Us/Press-Area/Press-Releases/Indonesia-As-A-New-Member-Of-Brics
Mohammad Maiwan. (2015). Geografi, Geopolitik, Dan Globalisasi: Suatu Analisa Terhadap Teori Sistem Dunia Immanuel Wallerstein. Portal Jurnal UNJ, 17(1), 1–8. Https://Doi.Org/Https://Doi.Org/10.21009/Spatial.171.01
Muhardi. (2020). Gov’t Committed To Stop Raw Material Exports. Office Of Assistant To Deputy Cabinet Secretary For State Documents & Translation. Https://Setkab.Go.Id/En/Govt-Committed-To-Stop-Raw-Material-Exports/
Myajaya, R. A. (2025). Indonesia ’ S Interests And Challenges In Joining Brics. Mandub, 3(1), 1–13. Https://Doi.Org/Https://Doi.Org/10.59059/Mandub.V3i1.2179
Nagano, A. (2019). Thinking About Industrial Revolutions In Systems Theory - Moving Towards The Fourth Industrial Revolution. ICEGOV ’19: Proceedings Of The 12th International Conference On Theory And Practice Of Electronic Governance, 3, 470–471. Https://Dl.Acm.Org/Doi/10.1145/3326365.3326429
Norman K. Denzin, Y. S. L. (2017). The SAGE Handbook Of Qualitative Research (Fifth Edit). SAGE Publications, Inc. Https://Uk.Sagepub.Com/En-Gb/Asi/The-Sage-Handbook-Of-Qualitative-Research/Book242504?
Nurifqi, M. W., Lubis, F. M., & Marsingga, P. (2024). Pengaruh Organisasi Brazil , Rusia , India , China Dan Afrika Selatan ( BRICS ) Dalam Kerja Sama Ekonomi Global. Innovative: Journal Of Social Science Research, 4(3), 18448–18460. Https://Doi.Org/Https://Doi.Org/10.31004/Innovative.V4i3.12806
Office Of Assistant To Deputy Cabinet Secretary For State Documents. (2024). Indonesia Seeks To Become OECD Member State By 2027. Secretariat Cabinet Of Republic Of Indonesia. Https://Setkab.Go.Id/En/Indonesia-Seeks-To-Become-Oecd-Member-State-By-2027/
Oyebanji Oyelaran-Oyeyinka. (2016). STRUCTURAL TRANSFORMATION IN DEVELOPING COUNTRIES. Https://Unhabitat.Org/Structural-Transformation-In-Developing-Countries-Cross-Regional-Analysis
Pandu Utama Manggala. (2025). Indonesia’s Bold Step Into BRICS And Beyond. East Asia Forum. Https://Eastasiaforum.Org/2025/02/04/Indonesias-Bold-Step-Into-Brics-And-Beyond/
Permatasari, D. A., & Jaya, U. (2024). Strategi Dan Peluang Indonesia Dalam Kerja Sama BRICS Untuk Memperkuat Keamanan Ekonomi Nasional. Jurnal Keamanan Nasional, X(2), 205–234. Https://Doi.Org/Https://Doi.Org/10.31599/S7aaj612
Pratiwi, A. C., & Tarigan, H. (2023). The Impact Of Advanced Technology On Indonesia’s National Security Stability. Jurnal Pertahanan: Media Informasi Ttg Kajian & Strategi, 9(3), 571–579. Https://Doi.Org/10.33172/Jp.V9i3.16858
Raka Putra Paksi. (2020). Determinants Of Economic Growth: Case Of Indo. Jurnal Dinamika Ekonomi Pembangunan, 3(3), 157–171. Https://Doi.Org/Https://Doi.Org/10.14710/Jdep.3.3.157-171
Ramadhan, B. R., & Haura, I. A. (2025). OPPORTUNITIES TO ADVANCE INDONESIA ’ S ECONOMY THROUGH THE OECD AND BRICS. Budi Luhur Journal Of Strategic & Global Studies, 3(1), 65–95. Https://Doi.Org/Https://Doi.Org/10.36080/Jsgs.V3i1.49
Reuters. (2024). Indonesia Wants To Join BRICS, Ministry Says. Reuters. Https://Www.Reuters.Com/World/Indonesia-Wants-Join-Brics-Ministry-Says-2024-10-25/#:~:Text=JAKARTA%2C Oct 25 %28Reuters%29 ,Ministry Said In A Statement
Riaz Khokhar. (2025). With Indonesia, Brics Is Adding Southeast Asia To Its Power Base. South China Morning Post. Https://Www.Scmp.Com/Opinion/Asia-Opinion/Article/3294105/Indonesia-Brics-Adding-Southeast-Asia-Its-Power-Base
Riyaz Ul Khaliq. (2025). Indonesia Begins Process To Become BRICS Member, Says Foreign Minister. Asia Anadolu. Https://Www.Aa.Com.Tr/En/Asia-Pacific/Indonesia-Begins-Process-To-Become-Brics-Member-Says-Foreign-Minister/3373861
Sabilla, B. S., Fathiha, H. F., & Rahmadhini, N. A. (2025). Bantuan Luar Negeri Dan Pembangunan Berkelanjutan Di Indonesia : Antara Ketergantungan Dan Kemandirian. Jurnal Manajemen Riset Inovasi, 3(1), 1–9. Https://Doi.Org/Https://Doi.Org/10.55606/Mri.V3i1.3441
Sabir, M. (1987). Politik Bebas Aktif (1st Ed.). CV. Haji Masagung. Https://Perpustakaan.Kemlu.Go.Id/Index.Php?P=Show_Detail&Id=395&Keywords
Salma. (2025). Professor Poppy Winanti: BRICS Offers Indonesia Opportunity To Enhance Bargaining Power. UGM. Https://Ugm.Ac.Id/En/News/Professor-Poppy-Winanti-Brics-Offers-Indonesia-Opportunity-To-Enhance-Bargaining-Power/
Sawal, J. N., & Anjum, R. (2023). BRICS The Major Emerging Economies: Prospects For A Multi-Polar World. Global International Relations Review, VI(II), 72–82. Https://Doi.Org/10.31703/Girr.2023(Vi-Ii).08
Setiawan, A. (2025). Indonesia ’ S Joins BRICS : Balancing Economic Opportunities And Geopolitical Challenges In A Multipolar World. JLPH, 5(3), 2075–2082. Https://Doi.Org/Https://Doi.Org/10.38035/Jlph.V5i3.1567
Sisdwinugraha, A. P., Hapsari, A., & Wijaya, D. F. (2020). Indonesia Energy Transition Outlook. In Essential Concepts Of Global Environmental Governance (Vol. 5). Https://Iesr.Or.Id/Wp-Content/Uploads/2024/12/Indonesia-Energy-Transition-Outlook-2025-Digital-Version.Pdf
Stewart Patrick, Erica Hogan, O. S. (2025). BRICS Expansion And The Future Of World Order: Perspectives From Member States, Partners, And Aspirants. Carnegie Endowment For International Peace. Https://Carnegieendowment.Org/Research/2025/03/Brics-Expansion-And-The-Future-Of-World-Order-Perspectives-From-Member-States-Partners-And-Aspirants?Lang=En
Sulaiman, Y. (2024). Indonesia And BRICS : Will It Stack Together ? (Issue 088). Https://Rsis.Edu.Sg/Wp-Content/Uploads/2024/10/IP24088.Pdf
Syamsudin, A. (2025). Indonesia ’ S Diplomacy Strategy In BRICS : Bridging National Interest And Global Political Balance. Security Intelligence Terrorism Journal (SITJ), 02(02), 28–36. Https://Doi.Org/Https://Doi.Org/10.70710/Sitj.V2i2.44
The Ministry Of Foreign Affairs Of The Russian Federation. (2025). Press Release On Indonesia’s BRICS Accession. Https://Www.Mid.Ru/En/Foreign_Policy/Brics/1990842/
Translation, O. Of A. To D. C. S. For S. D. &. (2023). President Jokowi: Indonesia Still Reviews Prospects For BRICS Membership. Cabinet Secretariat Of Republic Of Indonesia. Https://Setkab.Go.Id/En/President-Jokowi-Indonesia-Still-Reviews-Prospects-For-Brics-Membership/
Utama, V. R. (2025). Indonesia’s Foreign Policy Is All Style, No Substance. East Asia Forum. Https://Eastasiaforum.Org/2025/06/02/Indonesias-Foreign-Policy-Is-All-Style-No-Substance/
Walesasi, Y., Suharman, Y., & Mappiare, A. (2022). Tantangan Strategis Indonesia Ditengah Rivalitas Tiongkok Versus AUKUS: Sebuah Analisis Dilema Tahanan. Jurnal Hubungan Internasional, 15(2), 240–252. Https://Doi.Org/10.20473/Jhi.V15i2.35898
Wesley Rahn. (2025). What Will Change With Indonesia Entering BRICS? DW. Https://Www.Dw.Com/En/What-Will-Change-With-Indonesia-Entering-Brics/A-71240863#:~:Text=The Trump Effect,%22BRICS Currency%22 Was Created.
Downloads
Published
How to Cite
Issue
Section
License
Copyright (c) 2025 Wahyu Pambagyo, Ratih Herningtyas

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International License.

















