Indonesia calls on BRICS members to collaborate amid global trade shift
Photo caption: Indonesian Minister of Trade Budi Santoso at the BRICS Trade Ministers' Meeting (TMM) in Jaipur, India, on Friday (August 7, 2026).
Jakarta (ANTARA) - Indonesian Trade Minister Budi Santoso urged BRICS members to deepen cooperation in addressing changes in the global trade landscape at the BRICS Trade Ministers' Meeting (TMM) in Jaipur, India, on Friday (August 7).
According to him, the need for cooperation has intensified as nations observe the erosion of the rules-based trading system and increasing fragmentation in the global economy.
"Whether we will adapt by building higher walls or by finding new ways to collaborate. Indonesia is looking forward to collaborating with all its partners by prioritizing openness, confidence, and a solid commitment to building partnerships," the minister remarked in a statement on Saturday.
Santoso noted that over the past two decades, various crises in the financial, health, energy, and geopolitical sectors have exposed the vulnerabilities inherent in global integration.
Meanwhile, major global powers have begun utilizing economic integration, tariffs, financial infrastructure, and supply chains as tools of leverage.
He viewed that polarized economic integration, coupled with unresolved challenges facing the World Trade Organization (WTO), has prompted nations to develop strategies to secure energy, food, critical minerals, and supply chains.
Santoso acknowledged that while such responses are a natural form of self-protection, countries must also be mindful of the growing risk of global fragmentation.
"We must remain mindful of the underlying risks. The world could become increasingly fragmented and fragile, making it difficult to address shared challenges," he pointed out.
He also stated that Indonesia remains resilient amidst global uncertainty, reflected in the country's continuously growing domestic market, its young and productive workforce, and its abundant natural resources.
These strengths are further reinforced by the government's commitment to downstream industrialization, food security, and broader market access.
Furthermore, Indonesia has concluded numerous free trade agreements with various strategic partners. The minister conveyed that exploration and implementation of various trade agreements between Indonesia and these partner countries aim to expand Indonesia's global trade.
"This means combining robust multilateral cooperation with practical trade partnerships to achieve tangible results. Together, we can build resilient trade, investment, and economic networks capable of facing future challenges and seizing opportunities," he said.
