Indonesia has officially become the latest full member of BRICS, the influential bloc of emerging economies comprising Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa. The announcement was made by Brazilian officials as Brazil assumes the rotating BRICS presidency for 2025. This expansion marks a significant milestone in the organization’s evolution, further solidifying its position as a key force in the global economic landscape.
Background of Indonesia’s Membership
The decision to admit Indonesia was reached during the BRICS summit held in Johannesburg, South Africa, in August 2023. Leaders of the existing member states unanimously agreed on Indonesia’s inclusion, along with a number of other countries, in a bid to broaden the group’s representation and influence in global economic and political matters. While the approval was granted in 2023, the formalization of Indonesia’s membership occurred after Prabowo Subianto was sworn in as President in October 2024.
Indonesia, Southeast Asia’s largest economy and the world’s fourth most populous nation, brings significant economic weight to the bloc. With a GDP exceeding $1.3 trillion and a rapidly growing middle class, the country is a vital player in regional and global markets. Its inclusion in BRICS underscores the bloc’s strategy to enhance collaboration among emerging economies and strengthen their collective voice on the world stage.
Indonesia’s Strategic Goals
In an official statement, Indonesia’s Foreign Ministry emphasized that joining BRICS aligns with the nation’s longstanding foreign policy principles of independence and active engagement. The country aims to foster closer ties with other developing nations to promote equitable economic growth, sustainable development, and international cooperation based on mutual respect.
By becoming a member of BRICS, Indonesia seeks to diversify its economic partnerships and reduce dependence on traditional Western markets. The move is expected to open up new avenues for trade, investment, and technological cooperation with other BRICS nations, particularly China and India, which have been key trading partners for Indonesia.
Moreover, Indonesia is likely to benefit from increased access to development funding and infrastructure initiatives spearheaded by BRICS institutions, such as the New Development Bank (NDB). The NDB, headquartered in Shanghai, was established to provide financial support for infrastructure and sustainable development projects in BRICS and other emerging economies.
Global Reactions
The international response to Indonesia’s membership has been largely positive. China, a founding member of BRICS, welcomed Indonesia’s inclusion, emphasizing its significant role in the Global South and its potential to enhance the bloc’s capacity to address global challenges.
In a statement, a spokesperson for China’s Foreign Ministry remarked, “Indonesia is a major developing country and a key partner in promoting multilateralism and sustainable development. Its entry into BRICS will strengthen the bloc’s role as a platform for cooperation among emerging economies.”
Brazil also lauded the expansion, with President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva noting that the inclusion of new members, including Indonesia, reflects BRICS’ commitment to creating a more balanced and equitable global order. He highlighted the importance of unity among developing nations in addressing issues such as climate change, food security, and global economic inequality.
BRICS’ Growing Influence
With Indonesia joining the ranks, BRICS now includes 10 member nations: Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa, Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, the United Arab Emirates, and Indonesia. These countries collectively represent around 40% of the world’s population and account for more than 25% of global GDP.
The expansion of BRICS is seen by many analysts as a strategic response to the evolving global power dynamics. By incorporating a diverse group of emerging economies, BRICS aims to strengthen its role as a counterbalance to Western-dominated institutions such as the G7 and the International Monetary Fund (IMF).
The addition of new members is also expected to enhance intra-BRICS cooperation in key areas such as energy, technology, and infrastructure. Indonesia, for instance, has significant potential to contribute to joint initiatives in renewable energy and digital technology, both of which are high on the BRICS agenda.
Challenges Ahead
Despite the positive outlook, BRICS faces several challenges as it continues to expand. Differences in political systems, economic structures, and national interests among member states could complicate efforts to develop a unified agenda. Additionally, the bloc must navigate geopolitical tensions, particularly those involving Russia and China, to maintain its cohesion and credibility.
Nevertheless, analysts believe that the inclusion of countries like Indonesia, with its pragmatic and balanced foreign policy, could help bridge differences and foster greater cooperation within the group.
Looking Ahead
As Indonesia prepares to participate in its first official BRICS summit as a full member in 2025, expectations are high for its role in shaping the future direction of the bloc. The country’s leadership has expressed a strong commitment to contributing to BRICS’ objectives, particularly in areas such as sustainable development, digital innovation, and global governance reform.
Indonesia’s membership signals a new chapter in the BRICS story—one that reflects the changing dynamics of global power and the growing influence of emerging economies. With a broader and more diverse membership, BRICS is poised to play an increasingly important role in shaping the global economic and political order in the years to come.