BRICS Expands Again: Indonesia Gains Full Membership in a Historic Move

BRICS Expands Again: Indonesia Gains Full Membership in a Historic Move

Indonesia Joins BRICS: A Milestone for Southeast Asia

Indonesia has officially become a full member of BRICS, marking a significant milestone as the first Southeast Asian country to join this influential bloc. The announcement was made on January 6, 2025, by Brazil, the current BRICS president, whose term runs from January 1 to December 31, 2025.

The inclusion of Indonesia follows its active pursuit of membership, which accelerated after the 2023 Johannesburg Summit. Indonesia’s candidacy was endorsed by BRICS leaders during the summit as part of the bloc’s broader expansion strategy. The formal application, however, came after Indonesia’s 2024 presidential elections, ensuring the new government could oversee the integration process.

Strengthening BRICS’ Global Reach

Brazil’s government highlighted Indonesia’s economic and demographic significance within Southeast Asia, stating:

“As the largest economy and most populous nation in Southeast Asia, Indonesia shares with other BRICS members the support for the reform of global governance institutions and contributes significantly to the deepening of Global South cooperation.”

Indonesia’s membership underscores BRICS’ commitment to fostering stronger ties with emerging economies and amplifying the voices of the Global South in global affairs.

A Wave of BRICS Expansion

This development comes amid a wave of expansion for the bloc. In January 2024, Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, and the United Arab Emirates officially joined BRICS, while Saudi Arabia’s membership remains pending. The group has also added nine nations as partners, including Belarus, Bolivia, Kazakhstan, Cuba, Malaysia, Thailand, Uganda, and Uzbekistan, signaling its growing influence.

Russia’s leadership further indicated the potential addition of four more countries as BRICS partners, emphasizing the bloc’s evolving role in global geopolitics and its dedication to reshaping global governance.

Implications for Global Power Dynamics

Indonesia’s entry into BRICS reflects the bloc’s strategic pivot toward Southeast Asia and its aim to solidify its position as a key player in emerging markets. By integrating the largest economy in Southeast Asia, BRICS not only diversifies its membership but also strengthens its collective bargaining power on the global stage.

As BRICS continues to expand, its focus on inclusivity and economic collaboration reaffirms its commitment to creating a multipolar world order that prioritizes the interests of developing nations.