Rio de Janeiro, Brazil – The PRAKARSA had the honor to represent Indonesia at the BRICS Civil Summit in Rio De Janeiro, Brazil on July 4-5, 2025.
The BRICS Civil Summit is a series of meetings of BRICS civil society organizations that discuss a number of issues and recommendations for various regional and global policies. These recommendations are formulated into proposals that will be presented to the heads of state at the BRICS Summit on July 6, 2026, in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
In the forum, the Executive Director of The PRAKARSAAh Maftuchan delivered a number of recommendations on economic issues at the plenary session on "The BRICS and the International Economy." On this occasion, Ah Maftuchan presented a series of views and recommendations on the role of BRICS in shaping a more equitable and inclusive global economic order. This opportunity was a first, considering that this was Indonesia's first participation as a full BRICS member since officially joining in January 2025.
Maftuchan delivered his speech live at the Teatro Carlos Gomes. He opened his speech by highlighting Indonesia's diplomatic heritage in the Global South, particularly the 1955 Asia-Africa Conference and the Bandung Declaration, which emphasized economic cooperation based on equality and respect for national sovereignty. "The founders of the Non-Aligned Movement and the Asia-Africa Conference laid a strong foundation for collaboration in the Global South. Now, BRICS must continue that legacy with concrete actions," he emphasized.
Furthermore, Maftuchan took this opportunity to highlight two critical issues: US protectionism and the climate crisis. He criticized President Donald Trump's import tariff policy, which he believes exacerbates global imbalances. "US protectionist policies not only trigger trade wars but also strengthen the dominance of giant corporations that contribute to inequality and the 'brown' economy."brown economy) which damages the environment," he explained.
Furthermore, he warned of the impact of the climate crisis, which, according to the Institute and Faculty of Actuaries (2025), could potentially cut global GDP by 50% by 2070-2090 if no immediate policy action is taken. Maftuchan also cited data from the International Chamber of Commerce (2024), which shows that economic losses due to climate disasters have reached $2 trillion in the last decade. "We can no longer separate economic issues from the climate crisis. BRICS must lead the transition to a green economy," he urged.
Amid these challenges, Maftuchan emphasized the BRICS's opportunity to establish a multipolar economic system. He commended BRICS' efforts to strengthen intra-bloc trade and reduce dependence on the USD through Local Currency Settlement (LCS). "US protectionism actually opens up opportunities for BRICS to deepen alternative financial and trade cooperation," he said. He also encouraged New Development Bank (NDB) to collaborate with Multilateral Development Banks (MDBs) to increase institutional capacity, while also financing energy transition projects.
Furthermore, Maftuchan took this opportunity to propose six recommendations as a BRICS roadmap. First, simplifying trade regulations and the flow of people among member states to encourage inclusive value chainsSecond, innovation in debt reduction mechanisms such as debt-for-nature swap and debt-for-development swapThird, strengthening cooperation between BRICS central banks to expand Bilateral Currency Swap Agreements (BCSA). Fourth, support for UN Tax Convention and the establishment of an inclusive global tax oversight body, including for vulnerable groups such as people with disabilities. Fifth, increasing the role of the NDB in financing sustainable projects. Finally, strict regulations for fintechh in order to prevent over-indebtedness and data breaches.
At the end of his speech, Maftuchan stated that Indonesia is ready to fully contribute to BRICS. "Indonesia is ready to fully contribute to BRICS. Let us use this platform as a collective force to realize equitable economic governance, as envisioned." Bandung Declaration 70 years ago," he concluded.
Presence PRAKARSA not only affirms Indonesia's position in BRICS, but also introduces a unique Global South perspective rooted in socio-ecological justice. PRAKARSA, as think and do tank based civil society organizations in Indonesia, committed to continuing this advocacy through collaboration with the BRICS civil society network.
Read recommendations PRAKARSA at the BRICS Civil Summit 2025 in full below: