Indonesia has officially become a full member of the BRICS group, a bloc of major emerging economies that includes Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa, as announced by the Brazilian foreign ministry on Monday, January 7, 2025. This development marks a significant step for Indonesia, which is Southeast Asia's largest economy and the world's fourth-most populous nation, with a GDP of approximately US$1.4 trillion and a population exceeding 280 million.

The Brazilian ministry highlighted Indonesia's substantial contributions to the Global South and its commitment to enhancing cooperation among member states. Indonesia has been recognized as a dynamic emerging market, with annual economic growth rates exceeding 5 percent over the past decade. The ministry stated, “Indonesia shares with other members of the group support for the reform of global governance institutions.” This sentiment was echoed by China's foreign ministry, which welcomed Indonesia as it aligns with the interests of BRICS members and promotes the spirit of cooperation within the block.

Indonesia's accession to BRICS is notable, as it is the first country to join as a full member since the group expanded during the 2023 summit in Johannesburg, South Africa. Historically, BRICS has served as a counterweight to Western economic powers, promoting discussions on "de-dollarisation" and fostering a multipolar world free from the influences of the U.S. dollar.

After expressing interest in joining the bloc in 2023, Indonesia's membership was delayed due to the country’s elections scheduled for 2024. Following the formation of the new government led by President Prabowo Subianto, the approval process resumed. Brazil's foreign ministry noted that Indonesia's entry was reached by consensus among existing BRICS members based on the agreed criteria for expanding membership.

In its announcement, Indonesia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that joining BRICS is a strategic step to improve collaboration and cooperation with other developing nations founded on mutual respect and sustainable development principles. This membership underscores Indonesia's growing influence in global economic discussions, positioning it to play a pivotal role in shaping a fairer global structure.

This expansion of BRICS serves to enhance its relevance on the world stage, reflecting the collective voice of a substantial portion of the global population and GDP. As countries like Indonesia seek to strengthen their multilateral ties, the importance of such groupings becomes increasingly significant in the contemporary geopolitical landscape. For more details, refer to the original articles from SCMP and Al Jazeera.