ASIATODAY.ID, JAKARTA – Indonesia and Brazil have agreed to enhance strategic cooperation in bioenergy, the aerospace industry, and the green economy based on renewable resources.
The agreement was reached during a bilateral meeting between Indonesia’s Minister of Industry, Agus Gumiwang Kartasasmita, and the Vice President of Brazil on the sidelines of the 9th BRICS Industry Ministers’ Meeting in Brasília.
Minister Agus emphasized that Indonesia’s involvement in BRICS is not merely symbolic diplomacy but a strategic move to accelerate the country’s industrial transformation toward a digital and environmentally friendly future through the Making Indonesia 4.0 initiative.
“BRICS is more than just an economic forum; it is an alliance of emerging economies striving to build a fairer, more inclusive, and sustainable global system. Indonesia aims not only to be a market but a hub for production and innovation,” said Minister Agus in an official statemen quotes, Wednesday, May 28, 2025.
Indonesia and Brazil have enjoyed diplomatic relations since 1953, with significant progress in trade and investment. In 2024, total bilateral trade surpassed USD 7 billion, with Indonesia’s main exports to Brazil including motor vehicles, palm oil, and footwear.
“Our shared vision for building a resilient, inclusive, and green economy lays a strong foundation for future cooperation—especially in bioenergy and aerospace,” the Minister noted.
Indonesia’s Strategic Role in BRICS
At the BRICS forum, Indonesia reaffirmed its commitment to becoming a driving force in sustainable industrial development across the Global South. The Indonesian government is pushing for active participation in key BRICS initiatives such as: BRICS Center for Industrial Competences, PartNIR Innovation Centre, SME Working Group Action Plan 2025–2030.
These initiatives align with Indonesia’s national agenda to strengthen its small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and reduce the technological gap between large corporations and SMEs.
Manufacturing Sector Performance
Minister Agus also shared recent achievements in Indonesia’s manufacturing sector: Non-oil and gas manufacturing growth in Q1 2025: 4.31% (year-on-year), Contribution to national GDP: 17.50%, Non-oil and gas manufacturing exports: USD 52.90 billion
Realized industrial investment: IDR 179.70 trillion
Globally, Indonesia ranks 4th among BRICS members in Manufacturing Value Added (MVA), surpassing Russia, Saudi Arabia, and several African nations. This achievement places Indonesia as the top manufacturing economy in ASEAN.
Indonesia has vast potential in natural resources and human capital. However, Minister Agus stressed that realizing this potential requires: Technological innovation, Industrial digitalization, Supportive infrastructure, Policy incentives, Skilled industrial workforce.
“Our mission to Brazil is not just about diplomacy or industrial interests. It carries a message of national pride and solidarity. BRICS offers opportunities, but it also demands real contributions. Indonesia is ready to lead and take its rightful place in the global industrial transformation,” he concluded. (AT Network)
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