Indonesia Officially Joins BRICS Bloc, Expanding Group's Influence And Reach

Indonesia has been officially admitted as a full member of the BRICS group of emerging economies, with Brazil, the current president of BRICS, announcing the decision on Monday. The Southeast Asian nation’s membership was endorsed by BRICS leaders in August 2023. However, Indonesia chose to formally accept the invitation only after the formation of its newly elected government in 2024.

Indonesia, the world’s fourth-most populous country, brings significant economic and geopolitical weight to the BRICS alliance. With the largest economy and population in Southeast Asia, Indonesia’s inclusion adds further depth to the group’s global influence, reinforcing its position as a major player in the developing world. As a BRICS member, Indonesia joins a bloc that is committed to reforming global governance institutions and fostering South-South cooperation among developing nations.

Brazil’s foreign ministry praised Indonesia’s entry into the bloc, noting that the nation shares the BRICS’ dedication to creating a more inclusive global economic system. Indonesia’s participation will be crucial in strengthening BRICS’ efforts to push for reforms that better represent the interests of the Global South.

BRICS, initially formed in 2009 by Brazil, Russia, India, and China, expanded in 2010 to include South Africa. Last year, the alliance grew further with the inclusion of Iran, Egypt, Ethiopia, and the United Arab Emirates. Saudi Arabia has been invited to join but has yet to make a decision. Other nations, including Turkey, Azerbaijan, and Malaysia, have formally applied to join the bloc, while several other countries have also expressed interest in becoming members.

Indonesia’s inclusion highlights the BRICS group’s continued expansion and evolving role in global economic and political affairs, as it aims to shape future global governance structures.