Indonesia has officially joined BRICS as its latest full member, marking a significant milestone as the group continues to expand and strengthen the role of developing economies on the global stage. The announcement came from Brazil, currently presiding over BRICS, on January 6, 2025. This development follows Indonesia's candidacy approval during the BRICS summit held in Johannesburg back in August 2023.
The Brazilian government welcomed Indonesia to the group, emphasizing its strategic position as the largest economy and most populous nation within Southeast Asia. "The government of Brazil welcomes Indonesia's presence within BRICS," stated the Brazilian officials, as reported by The Associated Press.
BRICS, originally founded in 2009, has seen significant growth over the years. Initially composed of Brazil, Russia, India, and China, South Africa joined the coalition the following year. More recently, the alliance expanded to include new members like Iran, Egypt, Ethiopia, and the United Arab Emirates, making Indonesia's acceptance part of a broader trend to strengthen global cooperation among developing nations.
The Indonesian Ministry of Foreign Affairs echoed the sentiments expressed by Brazil, highlighting, "Membership of BRICS is a strategic way to increase collaboration and partnerships with other developing countries." They noted it as imperative for Indonesia, which is home to the fourth-largest population globally, to partake actively in shaping agendas beneficial to the Global South.
Brazil, under the leadership of President Luiz Ignacio Lula da Silva, aims to utilize its presidency of BRICS to intensify cooperation between member nations and push for necessary reforms within global governance institutions. The priorities for Brazil include advocating for payment tools to facilitate trade among BRICS nations and reducing dependency on the US dollar for international transactions. This strategy stirred controversy, particularly with the United States, with President-elect Donald Trump threatening tariffs against participating BRICS countries if they move to undermine the dollar's dominance.
The pathway to Indonesia's membership was not without its prerequisites. After receiving preliminary approval at the 2023 summit, Indonesia was invited to join following the completion of its presidential elections. Prabowo Subianto succeeded Joko Widodo as president on October 2024, paving the way for Indonesia to solidify its commitment to the bloc.
During the last BRICS summit held in Kazan, Russia, discussions focused on enhancing non-dollar transactions and strengthening local currencies, indicative of the bloc's push for economic independence from traditional Western financial systems. The upcoming BRICS meeting set for July 2025 is expected to address these themes, along with new initiatives to bolster trade and cooperation, painting a compelling picture of the future direction for BRICS as it expands.
Structuring the membership dynamics within BRICS also reflects on the shifts occurring within the geopolitical arena. The diverse membership, which includes various governmental perspectives, showcases growing aspirations among developing nations to amplify their voices and influence on the global stage. Indonesia's integration as the newest member reaffirms the desire of these nations to collaborate on common interests and drive cooperative economic policies, enriching their standings individually and collectively.
Overall, Indonesia's membership resonates as more than just joining another international group; it symbolizes the pursuit of strengthened global solidarity and cooperation among developing nations, aiming to refine and redefine existing governance structures and trade practices for the countries involved.
With these developments and the upcoming summit, BRICS seems poised to not only amplify its global presence but also engage meaningfully with the international community as it advocates for reform and progress aligning with the aspirations of many nations within the Global South. Current and prospective strategies discussed promise to affect the diplomatic and economic landscapes of member countries and beyond, signaling significant shifts on the horizon.