Rio de Janeiro. President Prabowo Subianto called for fairer multilateral cooperation and stronger representation from the Global South in international institutions during the BRICS Summit in Rio de Janeiro on Sunday, signaling Jakarta’s active role as the bloc expands its global economic and political influence.

Prabowo, accompanied by Chief Economic Affairs Minister Airlangga Hartarto, attended the BRICS Leaders’ Summit held at the Museum of Modern Art (MAM) under the theme “Strengthening Global South Cooperation for More Inclusive and Sustainable Governance.”

“President Prabowo emphasized Indonesia’s commitment to supporting global peace through multilateral approaches while upholding international law,” Airlangga told reporters after the meeting. “He also rejected war and double standards in global governance and supported reforms in the multilateral system to improve Global South representation, particularly within the United Nations.”

BRICS, initially comprising Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa, expanded its membership this year, with Indonesia joining alongside other new members. The group now accounts for 40% of global GDP, up from 34% previously, and represents about 56% of the world’s population.

“Economically, BRICS continues to grow, and in terms of purchasing power parity, it has surpassed the G7,” Airlangga said. “This positions BRICS as a key voice for the Global South in international forums.”

During the summit, Prabowo also reaffirmed Indonesia’s support for Palestine and urged the continuation of the “Bandung Spirit,” referencing the 1955 Bandung Conference that laid the groundwork for solidarity among Asian and African nations.

According to Airlangga, Prabowo highlighted the urgency of revitalizing multilateralism amid a shifting multipolar world and called for deeper economic cooperation among Global South countries. He also encouraged greater use of the New Development Bank (NDB), the BRICS lending arm, to support clean energy, sustainable infrastructure, and green projects.

“The NDB currently manages around 120 projects worth about $39 billion, focusing on clean energy, infrastructure, and sustainability initiatives,” Airlangga said, adding that Indonesia has committed to participating actively in the NDB to expand development financing for its green transformation agenda.

The BRICS summit concluded with the adoption of the Leaders’ Declaration, which outlines commitments to strengthen multilateralism, promote global peace and stability, deepen economic and trade cooperation, address climate change, and support fair and inclusive sustainable development.

“These outcomes are crucial for Indonesia, especially in creating opportunities for Indonesian products in BRICS markets while advancing climate action and human development,” Airlangga said.

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