Saint Petersburg, Russia – Chairman of the Indonesian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Kadin Indonesia), Anindya Novyan Bakrie, highlighted the impact of ongoing geopolitical conflicts—particularly the tensions between Iran and Israel—on the global economic landscape.

Speaking after attending the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum (SPIEF) 2025 at the ExpoForum Convention and Exhibition Centre on Friday, June 20, 2025 (local time), Anindya—commonly known as Anin—said that the Iran-Israel conflict was a dominant topic throughout the forum, which was also attended by Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto and Russian President Vladimir Putin.

“It was clear that the Iran-Israel conflict became a major focus, overshadowing much of the global economic discussion,” said Anin.

Anin observed that the situation reflects a sharpening divide between the West and the East, underscoring the global shift toward a multipolar world order.

“You can really see the polarization. The Iran-Israel conflict is not just a geopolitical issue—it’s deepening the multipolar dynamics,” he added.

Anin also emphasized the growing influence of the BRICS bloc, which he sees as an emerging economic powerhouse. He noted that the absence of both the United States and China in multilateral platforms like APEC is a strong signal of this power shift.

“BRICS is evolving. Half the world’s population now lives in BRICS countries, and it’s expanding—recently welcoming nine new members, including Belarus, Bolivia, Cuba, Indonesia, Kazakhstan, Malaysia, Thailand, Uganda, and Uzbekistan.”

During SPIEF 2025, President Prabowo reaffirmed Indonesia’s commitment to a hybrid approach to economic development—one that is neither purely capitalist nor socialist, but seeks to deliver the greatest benefit to the largest number of people.

“Indonesia chooses a hybrid path—neither Western capitalism nor Chinese socialism—but a middle ground that prioritizes the greater good,” said Anin.

Anin also highlighted key Indonesian government initiatives such as the Free Nutritious Meals Program (MBG), aimed at reaching 80 million children and breastfeeding mothers through the construction of 30,000 Nutrition Service Units (SPPG). He said the initiative not only enhances social welfare but also boosts employment and agricultural modernization.

“If each kitchen hires 50 workers, just 1,000 kitchens can already create 50,000 jobs. At the same time, we’re driving industrialization and modernizing agriculture,” he explained.

On global trade relations, Anin stressed the importance of maintaining balance—especially in tariff negotiations with the U.S. He noted that Indonesia should not be overly influenced by major powers, as it has strategic alternatives, such as the Indonesia-European Union Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (IEU-CEPA).

“We can't let ourselves be dictated too much by others. We have alternatives. IEU-CEPA, for example, opens doors that were previously closed to us,” Anin noted.

He concluded by reaffirming Indonesia’s strategic role on the global stage, noting that the country holds three important “voices” in international forums: as the only Southeast Asian member of the G20, as the world’s most populous Muslim-majority nation, as a key player in the Indo-Pacific region

“That’s what makes it compelling. Indonesia brings three critical voices to the global table, giving us a uniquely strategic position,” Anin concluded.