Warta Ekonomi, Jakarta -

Amid intensifying rivalry among major powers and the re-emergence of bloc politics in various forms, Indonesia needs a clear strategic compass. At the BRICS Summit in India, President Prabowo Subianto articulated such a direction through a simple yet profound message: Indonesia will be friends with every nation, cooperate with every partner, but depend on no one.

This is not merely a diplomatic statement. It reflects a doctrine that is becoming increasingly relevant for Indonesia in the twenty-first century: the Doctrine of Strategic Autonomy.

The doctrine rests on a fundamental belief: sovereignty is not defined solely by territorial boundaries or military strength. True sovereignty is measured by a nation’s ability to make decisions based on its own national interests.

In a world increasingly fragmented by geopolitical rivalry, trade disputes, technological competition, competing spheres of influence, and economic uncertainty, preserving strategic room for maneuver has become as important as natural resources, capital, technology, or military capability.

Sovereignty Means the Freedom to Choose

The global order is undergoing a profound transformation. Competition between the United States and China has expanded far beyond trade and investment into technology, security, supply chains, and geopolitical influence. Conflicts across multiple regions, growing economic protectionism, and the fragmentation of global commerce signal that the relatively stable era of globalization is giving way to a more complex and uncertain landscape.

In such an environment, many nations face mounting pressure to choose sides and align their national interests with the agendas of larger powers.

Indonesia must resist that logic.

As a nation born from a long struggle against colonialism, Indonesia understands that sovereignty is not merely a political symbol. It is the ability to shape the nation’s future according to its own priorities rather than external pressures or preferences.

Indonesia must never become a satellite of any power. Instead, it must remain independent in thought, sovereign in decision-making, and active in contributing to a more peaceful and prosperous world order.

BRICS as an Expansion of Strategic Options

It is within this context that Indonesia’s participation in BRICS should be understood.

Joining BRICS does not represent a shift from one bloc to another. Rather, it reflects an expansion of Indonesia’s diplomatic and economic options.

Indonesia is not turning away from ASEAN, the G20, the United States, the European Union, Japan, South Korea, India, the Middle East, Africa, or any of its strategic partners. On the contrary, Indonesia is broadening its network of engagement, expanding opportunities, and strengthening its bargaining position within an increasingly competitive international system.

The wider Indonesia’s partnerships, the stronger its economic resilience and geopolitical flexibility become.

This is the modern meaning of Indonesia’s long-standing “Free and Active” foreign policy.

Freedom does not mean passive neutrality or disengagement from global affairs. Freedom means possessing the strategic autonomy to make independent choices. Being active means contributing constructively to solutions for global challenges.

Indonesia cannot afford to be merely a spectator to history. It must become one of the actors helping to shape it.

The Rise of Indonesia as a Middle Power

This position is not rooted in naïve idealism. On the contrary, it is a realistic strategy that reflects Indonesia’s growing stature.

With a population of more than 280 million people, the largest economy in Southeast Asia, membership in both the G20 and BRICS, and the distinction of being the world’s third-largest democracy, Indonesia possesses the credentials to play a far greater role in international affairs.

The world needs countries that can speak to all sides and be trusted by all sides. It needs bridges at a time when major powers are increasingly building walls.

This is where President Prabowo’s leadership becomes particularly relevant.

At a time of growing global polarization, Indonesia offers an approach grounded in both national interest and universal aspirations: cooperation without domination, partnership without dependency, and friendship without the loss of independence.

This approach reflects Indonesia’s national character, which has historically favored dialogue over confrontation, collaboration over hostility, and shared solutions over zero-sum victories.

From Regional Power to Global Anchor

Yet Indonesia’s ambition should extend beyond safeguarding its own interests. Indonesia must aspire to become an anchor of global stability.

Not through military coercion or economic dominance, but through its ability to build trust, bridge competing interests, and keep channels of dialogue open when tensions rise.

In an increasingly uncertain world, trust has become one of the most valuable geopolitical assets.

When investors seek stability, Indonesia should be their destination. When the world requires a credible mediator, Indonesia should be present. When developing nations need a voice capable of bridging the interests of the Global North and Global South, East and West, Indonesia should step forward.

This is the moment for Indonesia to evolve from a regional power into one of the pillars supporting global stability.

A Doctrine for the Twenty-First Century

Ultimately, the message delivered by President Prabowo at the BRICS Summit is not merely about Indonesia’s place in international affairs. It is about the role Indonesia seeks to play in a changing world.

Indonesia will befriend all nations, engage with all partners, and welcome every mutually beneficial opportunity. Yet Indonesia will never entrust its future to anyone other than the strength, capabilities, and determination of its own people.

If the twentieth century was defined by ideological confrontation and competing power blocs, the twenty-first century should be defined by sovereign middle powers capable of serving as bridges for peace, stability, and shared prosperity.

Indonesia possesses the prerequisites to play such a role.

The Doctrine of Strategic Autonomy articulated by President Prabowo is therefore more than a foreign policy principle. It is a foundation upon which Indonesia can become a friend to all nations, dependent on none, and a trusted anchor of global stability, peace, and prosperity.