Jakarta. Foreign Minister Sugiono revealed on Friday that Indonesia’s decision to join the BRICS bloc of developing economies faced initial opposition at home, with critics arguing that it could conflict with the country’s “free and active” foreign policy principles.
Despite the criticism, the government pressed ahead, securing Indonesia’s full membership in BRICS in just three months, Sugiono said during a media gathering in Jakarta.
“Indonesia is considered an important nation and was given a fast track to become a member. At first, many questioned our decision to join BRICS, saying it was against our free and active policies,” Sugiono…