Indonesia Becomes BRICS Member

Indonesia has officially become a full member of the BRICS group, marking a significant milestone in global economic cooperation.

The announcement came from Brazil, the current chair of BRICS, with a statement emphasizing Indonesia’s potential to contribute positively to collaboration within the Global South.

The Brazilian Foreign Ministry confirmed the decision, stating, "The government of Brazil announces the formal admission of the Republic of Indonesia into BRICS as a full member on January 6."

The membership was approved during the BRICS Summit in Johannesburg, South Africa, in August 2023.

Indonesia, as Southeast Asia’s largest economy and most populous nation, is expected to play a pivotal role in advocating for the reform of global governance institutions.

The Brazilian statement added that Indonesia’s inclusion would deepen the group’s commitment to fostering equitable cooperation among emerging economies.

In a press conference, Russian President Vladimir Putin reiterated that BRICS operates based on consensus and is not intended to confront Western nations but to advance the interests of its member states. The group’s growing appeal, he noted, reflects its relevance in a multipolar world.

Effective January 1, 2024, BRICS expanded to include Egypt, the United Arab Emirates, Iran, and Ethiopia as full members, while Saudi Arabia holds an "invited member" status. Further expansion is set for January 2025, with Belarus, Bolivia, Kazakhstan, Cuba, Malaysia, Thailand, Uganda, and Uzbekistan joining as BRICS partner nations.