Indonesia has officially been admitted as a full member of the BRICS bloc of developing economies. The announcement was made by Brazil, the group’s presiding country for 2025. Indonesia’s candidacy was endorsed by BRICS leaders in August 2023, according to Brazil’s foreign minister, but only opted to join the bloc after its new government was elected last year.
The BRICS group is an association initially formed by five of the world’s largest emerging economies: Brazil, Russia, South Africa, China, and India. Now, Indonesia – the fourth most populous country in the world – joins the group that already represents almost 40% of the world’s population.
BRICS was largely created as a counterweight for the G7, which is comprised of developed economies. The group’s agenda includes advocating for a more multipolar world, which essentially means more countries should be able to have a say in world affairs and global governance. The entity often challenges Western institutions like the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund (IMF) with alternatives like the New Development Bank. It also advocates for increased south-south cooperation.
Brazilian government welcomes Indonesia into BRICS
The Brazilian government announced Indonesia’s entry into BRICS by publishing a statement. “The Brazilian government welcomes Indonesia’s entry into the BRICS,” it said. “With the largest population and economy in Southeast Asia, Indonesia shares with other members [of BRICS] a commitment to reforming global governance institutions, and contributes positively to deepening South-South cooperation.”
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Indonesia said that the country’s entrance to the group reflects Indonesia’s increasingly active role in global affairs as well as its commitment to solidifying multilateral cooperation.
“Indonesia views its membership in BRICS as a strategic step to increase collaboration and cooperation with other developing countries, based on the principles of equality, mutual respect, and sustainable development,” the statement said.
BRICS group continue to expand global influence
Since the group’s founding in 2010, it has expanded its influence beyond Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa. In 2024, the group embraced more countries, such as Iran, Egypt, Ethiopia, and the United Arab Emirates. Saudi Arabia has been invited to join the bloc but has not done so.
China also welcomed Indonesia’s presence in the group. The Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman, Guo Jiakun, said, “China warmly welcomes and congratulates Indonesia.” The Chinese foreign ministry also described Indonesia as a major developing economy that will be important for the global south.
Other countries such as Turkey, Azerbaijan and Malaysia have already applied for BRICS membership, but have yet to be accepted into the bloc.