The History Student Association of the Faculty of Humanities Diponegoro University (HM Sejarah FIB UNDIP) held a seminar and discussion titled “Assessing Indonesia’s Defense Position in BRICS: Global History and International Relations” on March 21, 2025. The event featured Aslama Nanda Rizal, a history lecturer at FIB UNDIP, and Joseph Victor, an international relations academic from Kazan Federal University, Russia, who is also an alumnus of the International Relations program at FISIP UNDIP.
This discussion served as a starting point for exploring Indonesia’s role in BRICS, a global economic alliance led by Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa. Indonesia, which officially joined BRICS at the end of last year, now holds a strategic position in the global order.
Why Did Indonesia Join BRICS?
President Prabowo Subianto’s decision to bring Indonesia into BRICS was made after careful consideration. In this discussion, scholars analyzed the benefits and challenges Indonesia faces as a new member of this economic bloc.
According to Joseph Victor, Indonesia’s ties with BRICS nations have existed for a long time. However, discussions have mostly focused on economic and political aspects.
Meanwhile, Aslama Nanda Rizal emphasized that Indonesia’s inclusion in BRICS has the potential to shift the country’s defense and geopolitical paradigm.
“Indonesia’s military history is not just about wars and revolutions, but also about how the country adapts to global defense dynamics. Joining BRICS will undoubtedly influence our future defense strategies,” Aslama explained.
The Impact of BRICS on Indonesia’s Defense
Beyond economic and diplomatic aspects, the discussion also explored BRICS’ influence on Indonesia’s national defense. One of the key topics of interest was Indonesia’s military cooperation with BRICS nations.
Recently, Indonesia and Russia conducted the ORRUDA maritime military exercise, marking an initial step toward strengthening defense ties. Moving forward, Indonesia could become more actively engaged in defense collaborations with other BRICS members.
HM Sejarah FIB Undip gelar seminar dan diskusi bertajuk “Melihat Posisi Pertahanan Indonesia dalam BRICS: Sejarah Global dan Hubungan Internasional” pada 21 Maret 2025.
Maintaining a Free and Active Foreign Policy
A crucial point in the discussion was how Indonesia can uphold its “Free and Active” foreign policy despite joining BRICS.
Joseph Victor asserted that joining BRICS does not mean Indonesia must align with a particular geopolitical bloc. Instead, Indonesia can leverage its position to maintain balance in global politics.
Support from the Dean of the Faculty of Humanities, UNDIP
The Dean of the Faculty of Humanities at Diponegoro University, Prof. Dr. Alamsyah, M.Hum., expressed his appreciation and support for the seminar organized by HM Sejarah FIB UNDIP. He emphasized that the study of global history within the context of international relations is essential for understanding Indonesia’s strategic position on the global stage, particularly in relation to its BRICS membership.
“This event is highly relevant to today’s global developments. The study of history is not just about the past but also helps us understand geopolitical patterns and future diplomatic strategies. Indonesia has long-standing historical ties with BRICS nations, and this discussion can serve as a foundation for students to explore the role of history in shaping national policy,” he stated.
Looking Ahead: Indonesia’s Future in Global Affairs
The discussion reaffirmed that Indonesia’s decision to join BRICS is not solely an economic move but also has implications for its diplomacy, defense, and geopolitical strategies.
By understanding historical relations and international relations approaches, Indonesia can make informed decisions regarding its BRICS membership while ensuring alignment with national interests and the Free and Active principle.
This event also sparked broader discussions about Indonesia’s future role in international affairs. Moving forward, it is hoped that more academic discussions like this will continue, providing deeper insights into Indonesia’s role in the global arena.