Indonesia Joins BRICS as Full Member

In a significant geopolitical move, Brazil announced on January 6, 2025, that Indonesia has officially joined the BRICS bloc as a full member. This expansion further strengthens the coalition of major emerging economies, which already includes Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa. Indonesia’s inclusion marks a critical step toward enhancing the influence of the Global South in global governance.

Indonesia’s Motivation for Joining BRICS

Indonesia, the world’s fourth-most populous nation, has long expressed its desire to be part of BRICS. With the aim of strengthening the cooperation of emerging nations and advancing the interests of the Global South, Indonesia sees its membership as a way to bolster its position on the international stage. As the largest economy and population in Southeast Asia, Indonesia aligns with BRICS’s goal to reform global governance institutions, advocating for a more inclusive international system that better represents the needs of developing nations.

A Consensus-Driven Decision

Brazil, which holds the presidency of BRICS for 2025, announced that Indonesia’s accession was approved by consensus among the member states. This decision builds upon an expansion plan first discussed at the 2023 BRICS summit in Johannesburg. While Indonesia’s bid was accepted in 2023, the nation chose to formally join the bloc after the presidential election in October 2024, when President Prabowo Subianto took office.

Why did Indonesia choose to wait until after the 2024 elections to join BRICS? The delay allowed the newly elected government to assess the political and economic implications of the move, ensuring that it aligned with Indonesia’s foreign policy priorities.

Indonesia’s Contribution to BRICS and the Global South

Indonesia’s membership strengthens BRICS’s position in Southeast Asia and adds substantial economic weight to the bloc. As a leading nation in the region, Indonesia brings its economic and political influence to the table, contributing to the deepening of South-South cooperation. BRICS has been a proponent of global reform, and Indonesia’s support for this initiative aligns with the bloc’s agenda of advocating for a fairer global order.

According to Brazil’s foreign ministry, Indonesia shares the group’s commitment to reforming global governance institutions, such as the United Nations and the World Trade Organization. By joining BRICS, Indonesia can leverage the group’s collective power to promote policies that reflect the interests of emerging economies.

BRICS Expands Its Influence

With the inclusion of Indonesia, BRICS now represents 45% of the global population and 35% of global GDP, based on purchasing power parity. The bloc, which was initially formed in 2009 by Brazil, Russia, India, and China, has grown significantly over the years. In 2010, South Africa joined, followed by the addition of Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, and the United Arab Emirates in 2024. Other countries, including Saudi Arabia, Turkey, Azerbaijan, and Malaysia, have expressed interest in becoming members.

The expansion of BRICS is seen as a strategic move to challenge the dominance of the G7, a group of developed nations. BRICS’s growing influence in global affairs highlights the increasing importance of emerging economies in shaping the future of international relations.

The Road Ahead for BRICS and Indonesia

Indonesia’s entry into BRICS is a clear indicator of the bloc’s evolving role in global geopolitics. As the organization continues to expand, it is expected to become an even more influential player in global decision-making. Indonesia’s strategic location in Southeast Asia boosts BRICS’s initiatives. Its strong economic growth enhances the bloc’s potential. Indonesia will contribute to trade and development efforts. It will also support global governance reforms within BRICS.

Conclusively, Indonesia’s membership marks a key moment for BRICS. It strengthens the bloc against Western-dominated global institutions. Brazil’s leadership in 2025 will guide BRICS. The bloc aims to promote a fair and multipolar world order.

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