Indonesia Joins BRICS as Tenth Full Member

Indonesia officially became the tenth full member of BRICS on Monday, January 6th, marking a significant milestone in its diplomatic and economic strategy. This move follows the approval of Indonesia’s membership during the BRICS summit in Johannesburg in August 2023. The formal announcement was made by Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva on Monday. Brazil holds the rotating presidency of the bloc for 2025, highlighting Indonesia’s commitment to strengthening South-South cooperation.

BRICS, initially formed in 2009 by Brazil, Russia, India, and China, with South Africa joining in 2010, has expanded to include key emerging economies. In 2024, Iran, Egypt, Ethiopia, and the United Arab Emirates were added as full members. With Indonesia’s inclusion, the bloc now represents over 46% of the global population and about 35% of the world’s gross domestic product, underscoring its increasing global influence.

Officials in Jakarta view this development as a strategic opportunity to diversify the nation’s trade and investment partnerships. The Indonesian Ministry of Foreign Affairs emphasized that BRICS membership would enhance Indonesia’s economic resilience and promote cooperation with non-traditional markets. It also expressed gratitude to Russia for its support in facilitating the accession process.

Experts and analysts have widely praised Indonesia’s decision to join BRICS. Luhut Binsar Pandjaitan, Chairman of the National Economic Council, pointed out that membership would open broader markets for Indonesian exports and attract foreign investments. Additionally, economic experts predict a potential boost in Indonesia’s GDP growth, with some estimates suggesting an annual increase of up to 0.3%.

Beyond economic benefits, Indonesia seeks to strengthen its voice on global governance issues through BRICS. Ahmad Heryawan, Deputy Chairman of Commission I in the House of Representatives, noted that Indonesia could play a critical role in addressing challenges such as climate change, food security, and sustainable development. Indonesia also hopes to contribute to ongoing BRICS discussions on promoting local currencies in international trade to reduce reliance on the US dollar.

By joining BRICS, Indonesia aims to enhance its geopolitical influence and actively participate in shaping a more balanced global order. The country’s leadership under President Prabowo Subianto has reiterated its commitment to fostering cooperation among developing nations to promote inclusivity and equality on the world stage.