Indonesia has officially become a full member of the BRICS group, a coalition of major emerging economies comprising Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa. The announcement was made by Brazil, the current BRICS chair, marking a significant step for Indonesia in strengthening its global influence.
In a statement released on Tuesday, Indonesia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs expressed its appreciation for the inclusion, calling it a strategic move to enhance collaboration with other developing nations. The ministry emphasized that BRICS membership aligns with Indonesia’s commitment to promoting equality, mutual respect, and sustainable development in global partnerships.
“This achievement shows Indonesia’s increasingly active role in addressing global issues and its dedication to fostering a more inclusive and equitable international system,” the statement read.
Brazil’s foreign ministry also highlighted Indonesia’s shared vision with other BRICS members, particularly the desire to reform global governance structures and advance cooperation within the Global South. The decision to admit Indonesia was finalized during the BRICS summit held in Johannesburg in 2023.
BRICS, originally formed by Brazil, Russia, India, and China in 2009, welcomed South Africa in 2010. The group has since expanded, with new members such as Iran, Egypt, Ethiopia, and the United Arab Emirates joining in recent years.
A key agenda for BRICS has been reducing reliance on the U.S. dollar in international trade. The bloc has proposed the creation of a common currency to counter the influence of the dollar, a move that has drawn criticism from Western nations. U.S. President-elect Donald Trump recently threatened steep tariffs on BRICS countries if they proceed with efforts to replace the dollar in global transactions.
Despite these challenges, Brazil’s President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva reaffirmed his commitment to promoting alternative payment systems within the group. Under his leadership, Brazil aims to enhance financial cooperation and streamline trade among BRICS members.
Indonesia’s membership in BRICS marks a milestone in its foreign policy, underscoring its ambition to play a more prominent role in shaping global economic and political dynamics. The government in Jakarta expressed gratitude to Russia for its support during the admission process, recognizing Moscow’s efforts as the upcoming BRICS chair in 2024.
As Southeast Asia’s largest economy and most populous nation, Indonesia is expected to contribute significantly to BRICS initiatives, particularly in advancing cooperation among developing nations and advocating for a more balanced global order.
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