The 2025 BRICS presidency holder, Brazil, announced on Monday, January 6, local time that Indonesia has officially become a member of this international organization. In a press statement, the Brazilian government welcomed and congratulated Indonesia as the newest member of BRICS. 

 

"Indonesia, which has the largest population and economy in Southeast Asia, shares similar views with other BRICS members regarding support for global institutional reforms and making positive contributions to strengthen cooperation among countries in the Global South," stated the Brazilian government. 

 

Brazil noted that Indonesia has supported issues prioritized during Brazil's presidency of BRICS in 2025. Indonesia’s inclusion in BRICS was first agreed upon by BRICS members during the summit in Johannesburg, South Africa, in August 2023. However, due to Indonesia’s general election in February 2024, the Indonesian government officially declared its intent to join BRICS only after the new administration under President Prabowo Subianto was established. 

 

BRICS members account for 40% of the global population and 35% of the world’s GDP, making it a significant player on the international stage. Established in 2009, BRICS originally consisted of Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa. By October 2024, BRICS had welcomed 13 additional partner countries. Alongside Indonesia, BRICS also admitted three other Southeast Asian nations – Malaysia, Vietnam, and Thailand – as new members. 

 

Indonesia Welcomes Full Membership in BRICS 

 

The Indonesian government expressed its enthusiasm for its full membership in BRICS, as announced by Brazil, the BRICS chair for 2025. Indonesia is committed to actively participating in the organization’s agenda to promote economic resilience, technological cooperation, and sustainable development. 

 

“As a country with a growing and diverse economy, Indonesia is committed to contributing actively to the BRICS agenda,” stated Indonesia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Kemlu) in a written statement from Jakarta on Tuesday, January 7. Indonesia also aims to play a role in addressing global challenges, including climate change, food security, and public health. Furthermore, Indonesia intends to leverage its BRICS membership to advocate for a more inclusive and equitable global order. 

 

According to Kemlu, Indonesia’s membership in BRICS reflects its active role on the global stage and marks a momentum to enhance multilateral cooperation. “This membership is a strategic step to boost collaboration with developing countries based on the principles of equality, mutual respect, and sustainable development,” the Ministry noted. 
 

This article is published in partnership with Katadata 

Original article here