Indonesia Joins BRICS: A New Era for Southeast Asian Influence in Global Economy
On a significant day for international relations, Indonesia officially became the tenth full member of the BRICS group of emerging economies on a recent Monday. This landmark decision was announced by Brazil, one of the founding members of the bloc and the holder of its rotating presidency for 2025. The move signals Indonesia’s growing stature on the global stage, a trend that has been building over the years as the nation seeks to leverage its position in the complex web of international politics and economics.
The Significance of Indonesia’s Membership
Indonesia’s entry into BRICS comes at a time when the group is redefining its role in global governance. The Brazilian government expressed its enthusiasm for Indonesia joining, highlighting the nation’s large economy and population as assets to the alliance. “With the largest population and economy in Southeast Asia, Indonesia shares with other members a commitment to reforming global governance institutions and contributes positively to deepening South-South cooperation,” Brazil stated in an official communiqué.
The endorsement of Indonesia’s candidacy was initially made by BRICS leaders last August. However, Indonesia chose to defer its formal accession until the establishment of its newly elected government. This careful approach underscores the importance Indonesia places on strategic alignment within such influential international groupings.
In a corresponding statement, the Indonesian Foreign Affairs Ministry noted, “This achievement shows Indonesia’s increasingly active role in global issues and commitment to strengthening multilateral cooperation to create a global structure that is more inclusive and fair.” This sentiment reflects Indonesia’s aspiration to not only participate but deeply engage in collaborative global governance efforts.
Understanding BRICS: A Collective of Emerging Economies
BRICS, an acronym for Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa, was founded in 2009 to serve as a counterweight to the developed economies represented by the G7—comprising the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Italy, and Japan. The alliance aims to address issues of economic disparity and reform global governance, thereby increasing representation for emerging economies on the world stage.
Since its inception, BRICS has evolved, expanding to include Iran, Egypt, Ethiopia, and the United Arab Emirates in 2024. With Indonesia now at the table, the group commands a remarkable 46% of the global population and 35% of the world’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP). This makes BRICS not only a formidable economic bloc but also a potent force in political terms, amplifying the voices of developing nations on critical global issues such as climate change, security, and economic inequality.
The Future of BRICS: A Broader Influence
The inclusion of Indonesia is seen not just as a formal membership but as a strategic cornerstone for BRICS as it aims to broaden its influence. The bloc’s meetings often focus on enhancing intra-state economic relationships and promoting local currencies in trade to lessen dependence on the US dollar. Recent discussions have touched on ambitious proposals aimed at facilitating non-dollar transactions, showcasing the bloc’s intent to reshape the rules of international commerce.
This ambition, however, has not been without controversy. The plans have drawn the ire of Western leaders; notably, former President Donald Trump criticized the discussions at the latest BRICS summit, which convened in Kazan, Russia in October 2024, even threatening to impose tariffs on full member nations over their currency strategies.
As Indonesia prepares for its role in upcoming BRICS summits, including the significant event slated for Rio de Janeiro in July 2025, questions emerge about the future trajectory of the group. With applications from other nations like Turkey, Azerbaijan, and Malaysia indicating a budding interest in BRICS, the bloc could potentially expand further, reshaping the global economic landscape.
Conclusion
Indonesia’s accession to BRICS marks a pivotal moment in the collective’s evolution and underscores the increasing importance of Southeast Asia in global affairs. As the tenth member, Indonesia will not only add weight to the bloc’s economic footprint but also serve as a conduit for various nations seeking equity in international representation. By actively participating in BRICS, Indonesia aims to depict itself as a leader within the Global South, committed to shaping a multipolar world characterized by fairness, inclusivity, and cooperation among emerging economies.