ASIATODAY.ID, JAKARTA — In a historic gathering that underscored the rise of the Global South, three BRICS leaders — President Prabowo Subianto of Indonesia, President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva of Brazil, and President Matamela Cyril Ramaphosa of South Africa — convened in Jakarta this week.
The meetings marked a new chapter in South–South cooperation, as the leaders reaffirmed their shared commitment to grow together as a global economic power and to strengthen a more balanced, inclusive, and sustainable world order.
Taking place at the Merdeka Palace, the back-to-back state visits by Brazil and South Africa highlighted Indonesia’s emerging role as a central hub of BRICS diplomacy and a bridge between Asia, Latin America, and Africa.
Prabowo and Lula Strengthen Indonesia–Brazil Strategic Partnership
During a joint press conference, President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva reaffirmed Brazil’s strong commitment to deepen its strategic partnership with Indonesia across key sectors, including trade, energy, and innovation.
“It is an honor to return to Jakarta to reciprocate the state visit of President Prabowo Subianto. The strategic partnership I initiated during my first visit in 2008 has proven to be more relevant than ever,” said President Lula.
Lula emphasized that both Indonesia and Brazil — two vibrant democracies with rapidly growing economies — share a responsibility to enhance economic cooperation and trade relations.
“The people of Indonesia and Brazil deserve greater progress. We will work hard to ensure that our bilateral trade grows in line with our populations and shared prosperity,” he added.
Lula also stressed the importance of finalizing the Preferential Trade Agreement (PTA) between Mercosur and Indonesia, expressing hope that negotiations would be completed before the end of his presidency.
As two influential voices of the Global South, both leaders reaffirmed their commitment to promoting a fairer international economic system and a sustainable development agenda.
President Lula further praised Indonesia’s free nutritious school meal program, calling it a model policy aligned with Brazil’s Global Alliance Against Hunger and Poverty, launched during its G20 presidency.
“There can be no sustainable development without eradicating hunger and poverty. President Subianto’s school meal policy deserves global recognition as part of this shared mission,” Lula stated.
Eight MoUs Cement Indonesia–Brazil Partnership Across Government and Business
The bilateral meeting between President Prabowo and President Lula witnessed the signing of eight Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) covering both governmental and private-sector cooperation — a concrete step toward building a comprehensive strategic partnership.
“Since our last meeting just two months ago, we have made remarkable progress. I am confident that our cooperation will yield even greater results in the near future,” President Prabowo said.
Government-to-Government Agreements:
1. Energy and Mining Cooperation — between Indonesia’s Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources and Brazil’s Ministry of Mines and Energy.
2. Science, Technology, and Innovation — between Indonesia’s National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN) and Brazil’s Ministry of Science, Technology, and Innovation.
3. Sanitary and Phytosanitary Measures — between Indonesia’s Agricultural Quarantine Agency and Brazil’s Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock.
4. Statistics Collaboration — between Statistics Indonesia (BPS) and the Brazilian Institute of Geography and Statistics (IBGE).
Business-to-Business Partnerships:
1. PT Danantara Investment Management (Persero) and JBS N.V. for strategic investment exploration.
2. PT PLN (Persero) and J&F S.A. for hydropower feasibility studies supporting Indonesia’s energy transition.
3. PT Pertamina (Persero) and Fluxus Holding S.A. for collaboration in clean energy initiatives.
4. KADIN Indonesia and APEX Brazil for enhanced trade and investment promotion.
The signing ceremony, attended by high-level delegates from both nations, reflected a spirit of mutual trust and optimism — a shared determination to build a future-oriented partnership anchored in sustainability and equality.
Ramaphosa: Indonesia Is a Strategic Partner and Heir to the Spirit of Bandung
A day earlier, on October 22, 2025, President Cyril Ramaphosa of South Africa paid a state visit to Jakarta, reinforcing Indonesia–South Africa relations as part of a broader BRICS cooperation agenda.
Speaking alongside President Prabowo, Ramaphosa described Indonesia as a “strategic partner and the heir to the spirit of Bandung,” referencing the historic 1955 Asia-Africa Conference that laid the foundations of the Non-Aligned Movement.
“The relationship between South Africa and Indonesia is deeply rooted in our shared history, stretching back more than 350 years. This visit marks an important milestone in strengthening our ties under the enduring spirit of Global South solidarity,” said Ramaphosa.
He praised Indonesia’s recent accession to BRICS, saying it opens a new window of opportunity for collaboration in trade, investment, and sustainable growth.
“We agreed on the need to increase trade between our countries as a catalyst for inclusive and resilient economic growth,” Ramaphosa emphasized.
Both leaders also exchanged views on global peace and multilateralism, including efforts to achieve a just and lasting peace in Gaza based on a two-state solution.
President Prabowo welcomed Ramaphosa warmly, underlining Indonesia’s commitment to deepening relations with African nations and strengthening South–South partnerships.
“We see South Africa as a key partner in Africa — a continent and an economy that represent the future. Together, we will make the Global South stronger and more united,” said Prabowo.
Indonesia, Brazil, and South Africa: A New Axis of the Global South
The series of high-level meetings in Jakarta showcased how Indonesia is emerging as a central diplomatic and economic player within the BRICS+ framework. The synergy among Indonesia, Brazil, and South Africa now represents a new axis of the Global South — one that seeks to reshape global governance and economic cooperation.
The three leaders agreed to:
Strengthen cross-regional trade and investment flows,
Expand collaboration in green energy and sustainable agriculture,
Foster joint research, innovation, and technology development, and
Advocate for reform in global financial and multilateral institutions.
This collective vision underscores a new momentum for the Global South — one defined not by dependency but by partnership, inclusivity, and shared prosperity.
Jakarta: The New Diplomatic Hub of BRICS+ in Asia
With back-to-back state visits from Brazil and South Africa, Jakarta has cemented its position as a diplomatic hub for BRICS+ cooperation in Asia. Under President Prabowo Subianto’s leadership, Indonesia is redefining its foreign policy — emphasizing mutual growth, sustainability, and multilateral solidarity.
This week’s historic meetings symbolized a new dawn for the Global South, as Indonesia, Brazil, and South Africa pledged to grow together as a unified force shaping a fairer, more balanced, and prosperous world. (AT Network)
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