In the last decade, the global economic map has shifted significantly. The BRICS group of emerging economies — Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa — has become a strong alternative to the dominance of international financial institutions such as the IMF and the World Bank. The initial spirit behind the formation of BRICS was to challenge the imbalance of the global system, which was seen as too pro-Western, and to create a new space for the economies of the Global South.

The BRICS Summit of 2023 marked a new chapter for the organization, with countries like Iran, the UAE, Egypt, and Ethiopia joining the group, strengthening the voice of the Global South.

BRICS has emerged as one of the new blocks with significant economic power. One of the central agendas often raised by BRICS is promoting de-dollarization — reducing reliance on the US dollar in global trade and finance. This has become a particular concern for the United States, which views it as a threat to its hegemonic position in the world.

Indonesia, as one of Southeast Asia’s economic powers, has long shown interest in joining BRICS. However, Indonesia’s decision to join as a full member was officially revealed in January 2025, before being announced at the BRICS Summit in Johannesburg in June 2025. The next BRICS Summit, held from 6-7 July 2025 in Rio de Janeiro, became a moment of celebration for Indonesia. For the first time, Indonesia was present as a full member of a group of developing countries that are seen as the new world power axis. Unfortunately, this celebration was met with a blow from the United States.

On 7 July 2025, President Donald Trump announced new tariff policies for several countries, including Indonesia, effective 1 August 2025. President Trump announced that the United States would impose a 25% tariff on goods from Tunisia, Malaysia, and Kazakhstan, 30% on South Africa, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and 32% on certain products from Indonesia, 35% on Serbia and Bangladesh, 36% on Cambodia and Thailand, and 40% on Laos and Myanmar. A deal with India was also almost concluded.

In response to this development, President Prabowo chose a diplomatic approach, emphasizing the importance of “equal and fair” dialogue with the United States while still actively participating in BRICS.

To further this diplomatic strategy, Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs Airlangga Hartarto traveled to Washington to sign a US$34 billion trade memorandum of understanding (MoU). This deal includes purchases of US products such as Boeing aircraft, wheat, and investments in energy. Indonesian companies involved in signing the MoU include PT Pertamina (Persero), PT Busana Apparel Group (representing the Indonesian Textile Association), FKS Group, Sorini Agro Asia Corporindo (as a member of the Indonesian Corn Refining Association), and the Indonesian Flour Producers Association.

This move was seen as a way for Indonesia to show good faith and as a “trade shield” against tariffs considered unfriendly.

However, President Trump continued to press on. After announcing the base tariff of 32%, the next step from the US was to add a 10% specific tariff on BRICS countries, including Indonesia. If applied cumulatively, certain Indonesian export sectors, such as textiles, footwear, and electronic components, could face a tariff burden of up to 42%. This is a serious threat to the competitiveness of Indonesian products in the US market. Labor-intensive industries are likely to be hit hard, while medium-sized manufacturers are at risk of export stagnation.

The latest tariff scheme marks a sharp rise from previous tariffs, leaving Indonesia vulnerable between the interests of BRICS and the economic pressures from the United States.

Indonesia’s entry into BRICS marks a significant shift in its foreign policy toward a more open and bold approach. With the inclusion of countries like Iran, Ethiopia, UAE, and Egypt, BRICS is no longer an exclusive club of five countries but has evolved into a network of Global South powers challenging the dominance of the old world order. BRICS now advocates for the reform of multilateralism, de-dollarization, and global economic justice. At this point, Indonesia’s position is strategic but also vulnerable to pressure.

The benefits of being part of BRICS cannot be underestimated. In addition to access to the New Development Bank (NDB), Indonesia can also push for reforms in the international financial system that have long been skewed. Indonesia can also expand its export market to other BRICS member countries and reduce reliance on the US as a primary market.

With access to alternative funding through the New Development Bank (NDB) of BRICS, Indonesia can obtain financing for infrastructure projects, green energy, and digitalization without the strict conditions imposed by the IMF or the World Bank. Another benefit is that BRICS can open up new export opportunities to countries like Brazil, India, South Africa, and the UAE, which can reduce dependency on US and European markets. Indonesia will also gain enhanced global bargaining power. BRICS membership strengthens Indonesia’s diplomatic position in international forums like the G20, WTO, and UN, especially in issues like financial system reform and a multipolar order.

Although Indonesia’s membership in BRICS opens many opportunities, it also brings several risks that should be carefully considered. One of the most apparent risks is the potential for economic sanctions or trade pressures from Western countries, especially the United States.

Aside from external risks, Indonesia also faces the challenge of the power imbalance within BRICS itself. China, as the largest economy in the bloc, has significant influence over BRICS policies. This dominance could shift BRICS agendas in favor of Beijing, sidelining the interests of developing countries like Indonesia.

Indonesia must also be cautious of the geopolitical stigma that might be attached to its BRICS membership. While the Indonesian government asserts that its participation is part of a free and active foreign policy, international perceptions—particularly from Western countries—may differ. If Indonesia is seen as leaning too much toward the BRICS axis, especially as the bloc strengthens its de-dollarization agenda and reforms the IMF, which opposes the old Western-led system, then diplomatic relations and investments from countries like the US, Japan, or the EU could be affected.

Internally, BRICS membership could also create policy pressures for Indonesia. For example, in energy transition issues, BRICS tends to push for renewable energy approaches that may not always align with Indonesia’s reliance on fossil fuels. Furthermore, on human rights issues, the diversity of political systems in BRICS countries could make BRICS less likely to address human rights openly, potentially obscuring Indonesia’s position as an open democracy in the ASEAN region.

Media Coverage of BRICS Membership and Import Tariff Increases

Indonesia’s membership in BRICS and the 10% increase in import tariffs imposed by Trump on BRICS countries have been widely covered in both international and national media.

Using a big data media monitoring tool, Newstensity recorded narratives regarding the heated coverage of the BRICS import tariff issue with the keywords “BRICS” and “import tariffs” from 5–8 July 2025, finding approximately 9,175 news stories across media outlets.

Coverage began to climb on 6–7 July 2025, when the BRICS Summit took place in Brazil, and stagnated until 8 July 2025.

International media also highlighted this issue, particularly from a geopolitical standpoint and its effect on the global economy, while national media focused more on the diplomatic significance and direct impacts on Indonesia’s economy.

Dominant national media included kompas.com and kontan.co.id. Kompas highlighted national optimism and pride in Indonesia joining BRICS, as well as the internal and external benefits of membership. Kompas also focused on the strengthening of the IDX and rupiah after Trump’s tariff announcement and the steps taken by Indonesia’s government to further discuss the tariffs with the United States.

In addition to Kompas and Kontan, Detik also published statements from the Cabinet Secretariat, calling Indonesia’s participation in BRICS part of President Prabowo’s direct initiative. However, as the tariff policy developed, coverage began to shift: doubts emerged about whether this was the right time for Indonesia to join BRICS, especially with the threat to exports and potential isolation from US and European markets.

From international media, outlets like Reuters and Channel News Asia (CNA) presented narratives about Indonesia, as a new BRICS member, facing real consequences from a shift in its foreign policy orientation. Reuters emphasized Indonesia’s quick response, sending a high-level delegation to Washington to negotiate ahead of the tariff increase deadline, with export values at risk of reaching over US$34 billion. This showed that Indonesia was not standing still but taking an active diplomatic approach to mitigate the economic impact of Trump’s unilateral decision. The sentiment in international media was largely neutral to critical, positioning Indonesia as a nation caught between major powers but acting rationally and strategically.

Public Opinion on Social Media

After President Trump’s announcement of the additional 10% import tariff for BRICS countries in the first week of July 2025, the issue went viral for several hours on social media, particularly on X (formerly Twitter), after the BRICS Summit. Many international users cited global coverage, while Indonesian accounts began discussing its impact on national industries and the economy.

The discussion peaked on 7–8 July, with hashtags like #IndonesiaBRICS, #TrumpTarif, and #AntiAmericanTariff being used thousands of times. Conversations on X regarding the import tariff increase also drew attention from popular accounts in economics, foreign policy, and digital activism.

Using Socindex’s big data tools, 2,831 conversations were identified between 5–8 July 2025 with a reach of 2 million people and engagement from 841 users.

Public Sentiment on X (Twitter)

The sentiment on X was divided into two factions: enthusiasm about Indonesia’s strategic position on the global stage and skepticism about the potential economic risks arising from this decision.

Many netizens expressed pride that Indonesia was now aligned with major nations like Brazil, India, and China in the BRICS forum. Participation was seen as a new milestone in Indonesia’s diplomacy, aiming for a more inclusive global economic order.

However, critical voices began to emerge, questioning whether it was the right time for Indonesia to join BRICS, especially considering the risk of losing competitive trade access in the US market. Skepticism also centered around potential Chinese dominance within BRICS, which could affect Indonesia’s future economic policy independence.

Despite these concerns, the sentiment towards Indonesia’s BRICS membership remained largely positive, especially in light of President Prabowo’s strategic approach to mitigate potential economic impacts.

Conclusion: Is Indonesia Ready for BRICS?

Amid the geopolitical turmoil, Indonesia’s decision to join BRICS marks a significant step in navigating the rapidly changing global economic dynamics. On one hand, it represents a strategic opportunity to break free from the old economic axis and explore new potential with developing countries. On the other hand, the rapid response from the United States with the tariff hikes shows that any strategic choice will always come with unavoidable geopolitical risks.

Now, Indonesia’s challenge is not only how to maximize the benefits of BRICS membership but also how to respond wisely to external pressures. With substantial public support, but also sentiments shaped by public narratives, the question remains: is Indonesia truly ready to face this new chapter, with all its consequences? And how do we ensure that this foreign policy direction truly reflects the interests of the people, not just the elites?

Writer: Jenna Nadia Rasbi (Jangkara), Ilustrator: Aan K. Riyadi