Indonesia Joins BRICS As Full Member—Strengthening Global South Collaboration And Expanding Bloc’s Global Influence

Indonesia has officially become a full member of BRICS, Brazil’s government announced on Monday (6 January). The group, now comprising Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa, and Indonesia, continues to consolidate its influence as a coalition of major emerging economies.

Indonesia’s foreign ministry, in a statement issued on Tuesday (7 January), hailed this development as "a strategic way to increase collaboration and partnership with other developing nations."

As the world’s fourth most populous country, Indonesia has long aspired to join BRICS. Its membership is viewed as a strategic move to strengthen alliances among emerging nations and further the objectives of the Global South.

The decision to include Indonesia was unanimously approved during the 2023 BRICS summit in Johannesburg. However, Indonesia finalised its membership only after its presidential election in 2024, with President Prabowo Subianto taking office in October.

“Indonesia shares with other BRICS members a commitment to reforming global governance institutions and contributes positively to strengthening cooperation among nations in the Global South,” Brazil’s government stated.

BRICS, which aims to challenge traditional Western-dominated institutions, has been actively expanding its membership. In addition to Indonesia, the bloc now includes Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, and the United Arab Emirates. This growth underscores BRICS’ increasing influence as a platform for developing nations to address global issues collectively.

Brazil, holding the BRICS presidency in 2025, has emphasised the significance of Indonesia’s inclusion. It marks another step in the bloc's efforts to reshape global governance and advance shared economic and developmental interests.