First is the timing. No one expected it would happen less than a week after Prabowo assumed office. Such haste invites speculation on whether the move is driven by personal considerations or strategic calculation.

Second is the shift in direction. Despite countless promises of policy continuity, the Prabowo administration seems to be departing from the former administration's caution toward membership in such a geopolitical bloc.  

Sugiono’s rationale for BRICS membership initally seems compelling. Instead of citing economic interests, he has invoked Indonesia’s free-and-active foreign policy principles as the driver of the country’s rapprochement.

He reasoned that BRICS could enforce the right to development for developing countries, enable reform of multilateral institutions and serve as a unifying force among the Global South. He went further by saying that the inclusion of Indonesia in the bloc would be beneficial both at home and abroad.

At home, he argued, the BRICS agenda aligns with Prabowo’s priorities of achieving food and energy security, eradicating poverty and promoting resource-based industrialization. Abroad, joining BRICS ostensibly allows Indonesia to act as a bridge builder.    

As tempting as it may be to buy into such arguments, Indonesia’s plan for full-fledged BRICS membership warrants a second thought.