ASIATODAY.ID, BOGOR — The Inter-Parliamentary Cooperation Body (BKSAP) of the House of Representatives of the Republic of Indonesia reaffirmed that Indonesia’s participation in two major global economic forums — the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) and BRICS — must go beyond symbolic diplomacy.
Indonesia, BKSAP stressed, must play an active and strategic role that brings tangible benefits to national development and people’s welfare.
This statement was delivered by Arzeti Bilbina, Member of the BKSAP of the Indonesian House of Representatives, during a Working Committee (Panja) on International Organizations session held at Bogor Agricultural University (IPB), Dramaga, West Java, on Friday, October 17, 2025 ago. The forum brought together academics and students to discuss Indonesia’s opportunities and challenges within the OECD and BRICS frameworks.
“BKSAP is actively engaging with academia to absorb ideas and aspirations. We want Indonesia’s presence in the OECD and BRICS to produce real outcomes for the people, not just diplomatic symbolism,” Arzeti emphasized.
Strengthening National Resilience and Global Competitiveness
The legislator from the National Awakening Party (PKB) asserted that Indonesia’s involvement in OECD and BRICS must focus on strengthening strategic sectors such as food security, energy resilience, education, health, and employment. International partnerships, she said, should enhance national competitiveness while ensuring inclusive growth.
“Many students voiced concerns about food and energy security. Ultimately, our global engagement must ensure international policies translate into real benefits for Indonesian citizens,” she explained.
Arzeti also underscored that Indonesia must strengthen its bargaining position within the global economic landscape.
She warned that Indonesia should not be viewed solely as a large consumer market but as a competitive producer nation capable of exporting to OECD and BRICS countries.
“Indonesia must not be reduced to a consumer market. We must become an active producer and exporter to OECD and BRICS economies. Our engagement must be reciprocal and beneficial,” she said firmly.
Academia as Key Partners in Parliamentary Diplomacy
Arzeti highlighted the importance of involving students and scholars in BKSAP’s parliamentary diplomacy initiatives to create knowledge-based and inclusive foreign policy frameworks.
“This dialogue provides valuable insights for the Parliament, especially BKSAP, to ensure that universities and young thinkers play a central role in shaping Indonesia’s global direction. They are the next generation of leaders,” she concluded.
Indonesia as a Bridge between OECD and BRICS Economies
Meanwhile, Irine Yusiana Roba Putri, Vice Chair of the Inter-Parliamentary Cooperation Body (BKSAP) of the Indonesian House of Representatives, emphasized Indonesia’s unique position as both a member of BRICS and an accession candidate to the OECD, situating the country strategically between two major global economic blocs.
“If BRICS represents the Global South and the OECD the North, then Indonesia has a historic opportunity to act as a bridge between them — enhancing our role in global economic diplomacy,” Irine stated before the IPB academic audience.
She explained that the OECD accession process has already pushed Indonesia to improve governance, strengthen regulations, and align national standards with international best practices.
“Joining the OECD requires transformation — improving our legal frameworks and governance, including in education, to meet global standards,” noted the legislator from the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI-P).
OECD and BRICS Membership: Real Value for the People
Irine further emphasized that Indonesia’s engagement in both OECD and BRICS should deliver “value for people,” not just “value for protocol.”
“Membership in these organizations must provide real, measurable benefits to our citizens, not just diplomatic prestige,” she affirmed.
Through the Working Committee on International Organizations, the Inter-Parliamentary Cooperation Body (BKSAP) of the Indonesian House of Representatives continues to gather insights from experts, academics, and policymakers to ensure that Indonesia’s global diplomacy remains strategic, inclusive, and people-centered.
“Every step Indonesia takes in international forums must translate into real benefits for the nation,” Irine concluded. (AT Network)
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