Indonesia Officially Joins BRICS as Full Member

On January 6, 2025, Indonesia’s long-anticipated bid to join the BRICS group as a full member was officially realized. This milestone marks a significant shift in the landscape of global power, with Indonesia, Southeast Asia’s largest economy, now playing a crucial role in an organization traditionally dominated by major emerging markets.

As the world continues to evolve, this expansion reflects the increasing influence of emerging economies in shaping international economic policies. Indonesia’s membership not only strengthens the BRICS group but also enhances Indonesia’s position as a leading voice for developing nations.

The Expansion of BRICS

The BRICS group has long been a symbol of the changing global order. Initially founded in 2009, BRICS originally brought together Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa with a shared goal: to provide a platform for emerging economies to work together on common interests, challenge Western-dominated institutions, and promote a more equitable global financial system. Over the years, the group has become a major force in international diplomacy and economic cooperation.

Indonesia’s admission into BRICS represents a step further in the group’s evolution. By welcoming the world’s fourth-most populous country, BRICS is broadening its geographic and economic reach.

Indonesia’s strategic location in Southeast Asia, its growing economy, and its increasing influence in the region make it an ideal member. The country’s membership not only adds to the group’s economic weight but also strengthens its voice in global governance, offering a more diverse perspective to issues ranging from economic development to environmental sustainability.

For Indonesia, joining BRICS offers an important opportunity to diversify its international partnerships. The country has long been a key player in regional organizations like ASEAN, and now, as part of BRICS, it will have a broader platform to engage with other rapidly developing economies.

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This is particularly important for Indonesia as it seeks to strengthen its role on the global stage while reducing its dependence on traditional Western powers.

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Indonesia’s inclusion in BRICS also highlights the shifting dynamics of the global economy. The West, particularly the United States and European Union, has historically held considerable power in international institutions such as the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank.

BRICS, with Indonesia now onboard, presents an alternative vision of economic cooperation, one that prioritizes the interests of developing nations and fosters a more multipolar global economy.

Indonesia’s Role in BRICS

One of the most significant aspects of Indonesia’s membership in BRICS is its potential role as a champion for the Global South. Throughout its history, Indonesia has positioned itself as an advocate for the interests of developing countries.

This is reflected in the country’s non-aligned foreign policy and its long-standing commitment to multilateral diplomacy. By joining BRICS, Indonesia is aligning itself with a group of nations that share its vision of a fairer and more inclusive international system.

President Prabowo Subianto, who took office in 2024, has long expressed the need for Indonesia to deepen its engagement with other emerging economies. Indonesia’s decision to pursue full membership in BRICS is a direct reflection of this strategic approach.

As a member of BRICS, Indonesia now has a powerful platform to advocate for issues such as poverty alleviation, infrastructure development, and climate change—all key concerns for the developing world.

Furthermore, Indonesia’s expertise in sustainable development and environmental management will be a valuable asset to BRICS. The country has made significant strides in balancing economic growth with environmental protection, and its experience could provide valuable insights for other BRICS countries facing similar challenges.

By promoting cooperation on green technologies and renewable energy, Indonesia could help BRICS pursue a more sustainable and inclusive path of development.

As the world’s largest archipelago and a key player in the Asia-Pacific region, Indonesia’s geographic location is also significant. It can serve as a bridge between BRICS countries and other countries in Southeast Asia, as well as other parts of the Global South.

Indonesia’s participation in BRICS will likely strengthen South-South cooperation, which is a central tenet of the group’s mission. By working together, the BRICS nations, led by Indonesia, can build stronger economic and diplomatic ties with other developing regions, including Africa, Latin America, and the Middle East.

Indonesia’s influence within BRICS will likely grow as it advocates for reforms in global institutions such as the United Nations, the IMF, and the World Bank.

Indonesia’s non-aligned stance and its commitment to a more balanced international order make it an ideal representative for the Global South. It is expected that Indonesia will push for reforms in the governance structures of these institutions to better reflect the interests of emerging economies.

Economic Implications of Indonesia’s Membership in BRICS

Indonesia’s growing economy and its position as Southeast Asia’s largest market make it a natural fit for BRICS. The country’s membership will undoubtedly have significant economic implications for both Indonesia and the broader BRICS group.

Indonesia’s economy is diverse, with key sectors such as agriculture, manufacturing, and services, which collectively contribute to its status as one of the largest economies in Asia.

One of the key economic benefits of Indonesia’s BRICS membership will be enhanced access to financing and development support. BRICS member countries have established the New Development Bank (NDB), which provides an alternative to traditional Western financial institutions.

Indonesia’s participation in this bank will enable it to access funding for critical infrastructure projects, such as those aimed at improving transportation, energy, and digital infrastructure. This could accelerate Indonesia’s economic development and contribute to its efforts to reduce poverty and improve living standards for its citizens.

In addition to infrastructure funding, Indonesia’s membership in BRICS could lead to increased trade and investment flows. As the largest economy in Southeast Asia, Indonesia plays a central role in regional trade, and BRICS can offer new opportunities for economic exchange with other member nations.

For example, China and India, two of BRICS’s largest economies, are key trading partners for Indonesia. BRICS membership will provide Indonesia with a platform to negotiate better trade deals, expand its exports, and attract foreign direct investment, particularly in areas such as renewable energy, technology, and manufacturing.

Another important economic benefit for Indonesia will be the opportunity to collaborate on regional and global supply chains. As an important part of global production networks,

Indonesia can help BRICS members, especially China and India, access key raw materials and markets in Southeast Asia. By integrating into BRICS’s global trade network, Indonesia can help shape the future of international trade, ensuring that it is more equitable and inclusive for developing economies.

Indonesia’s membership in BRICS also sends a signal to global investors that the country is committed to economic reform and integration into the global economy.

It offers investors a more stable and predictable environment, as BRICS countries have historically promoted economic cooperation and governance reforms. As a result, Indonesia’s BRICS membership may attract greater interest from international investors looking to tap into the country’s growing market.

Indonesia’s Growing Influence on the Global Stage

Indonesia’s official entry into BRICS marks a turning point in both the country’s foreign policy and the evolution of the BRICS group. As a full member, Indonesia will contribute significantly to the bloc’s work on reforming global governance and promoting economic cooperation among emerging economies.

Indonesia’s growing economic and diplomatic influence, coupled with its commitment to multilateralism, will help shape BRICS’s role in the 21st century. For Indonesia, BRICS membership is an important step toward enhancing its position in the global order.

It provides the country with greater influence in global decision-making processes and offers new opportunities for economic development. By joining forces with other emerging economies, Indonesia can help shape a more inclusive and multipolar world order that better reflects the interests of developing countries.

As BRICS continues to evolve, Indonesia’s membership will play an integral role in shaping the future of the global economy. The country’s involvement in BRICS is expected to foster greater cooperation among the Global South, leading to a more balanced and equitable global economic system.