JAKARTA, (TDI): Indonesia, the fourth-most populous country in the world with over 284 million people spread across 17,000 islands, has officially become the 10th full member of the BRICS group of emerging economies.
The announcement came from Brazil, a founding member of BRICS and the rotating president of the bloc in 2025. Indonesia’s bid to join was approved during the 2023 BRICS summit in Johannesburg.
Brazil’s Foreign Ministry confirmed that Indonesia’s candidacy was initially approved by BRICS leaders in August 2023. However, Indonesia decided to delay its formal membership until its newly elected government was in place.
With an economy exceeding one trillion dollars, Indonesia is also a member of the G20 and currently holds the chair of ASEAN. Indonesia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs described BRICS membership as a “strategic step” to enhance cooperation with other developing nations based on equality, mutual respect, and sustainable development.
The statement also expressed “gratitude to Russia,” the 2024 BRICS chair, for its leadership and support in facilitating Indonesia’s entry.
Indonesia defended its decision to join the BRICS bloc, pledging to act as a “bridge-builder” amid shifting global alliances. Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi explained that Jakarta’s membership aims to “cool down global economic rivalry,” according to Jakarta Global.
Marsudi, in her first annual address as foreign minister since being appointed by President Prabowo Subianto in October, highlighted that Indonesia’s entry into BRICS reflects the country’s “free and active foreign policy.”
The announcement of Indonesia’s official membership came after Brazil, the current BRICS chair, confirmed it on Monday. BRICS now includes 11 full members: China, Egypt, Russia, India, South Africa, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Ethiopia, Iran, and Indonesia.
Indonesia’s membership was approved during a BRICS summit in Johannesburg in August 2023, and the formalization followed the formation of Indonesia’s new government. The bloc has also expanded by admitting 13 “Partner Countries,” including Belarus, Bolivia, Cuba, Malaysia, Thailand, Uganda, and Uzbekistan.
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In her address, Marsudi emphasized that Indonesia’s membership is the result of decades of consistent foreign diplomacy. “This is not something we achieve overnight,” she said. “It is the fruit of Indonesia’s resilience and persistence in foreign diplomacy.”
As a BRICS member, Indonesia aims to be a “bridge-builder” for the interests of developing economies and nations in the Indo-Pacific. Marsudi added, “We will remain active in preventing further escalation of geo-economic and geopolitical rivalries.”
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President Prabowo, in line with Marsudi’s comments, stated that Indonesia’s BRICS membership aligns with his broader goal of fostering friendly relations with all countries.
Indonesia’s membership comes at a time when great power rivalries are intensifying in Southeast Asia, with both the US and China vying for influence. BRICS, which represents 40% of the global population and 35% of global GDP, continues to strengthen its geopolitical presence, further expanding with new partner countries.
