Indonesia officially became the newest BRICS member on January 6, 2025, marking a historic milestone for both the bloc and the Southeast Asian nation. Announced under Brazil’s 2025 BRICS chairmanship, the accession reflects Indonesia’s ambition to strengthen its global influence while aligning with emerging economies advocating for a multipolar world order. As the first Southeast Asian country to join BRICS, Indonesia’s entry amplifies the group’s economic and geopolitical reach.
Indonesia’s membership journey began in 2023 when its candidacy was approved at the Johannesburg Summit. However, it deferred formal entry until after its 2024 elections, enabling President Prabowo Subianto’s administration to finalize the decision. This phased approach—first as a BRICS “partner country” in 2024 and later as a full member—allowed Indonesia to balance internal priorities with bloc dynamics.
Economically, BRICS membership supports Indonesia’s goal of achieving 8% GDP growth by leveraging the New Development Bank (NDB) for infrastructure projects like its new capital, Nusantara, and renewable energy initiatives. Trade with BRICS nations surged to $150 billion in 2024, driven by exports of palm oil, coal, and rubber. Politically, Indonesia aims to reform Western-dominated institutions like the IMF and World Bank, advocating for equitable global governance. Geopolitically, the move allows Jakarta to hedge amid U.S.-China tensions and uncertainty under Trump’s second term, deepening ties with China and Russia without abandoning its non-aligned stance.
Indonesia’s inclusion expands BRICS’ share of the global population to 47% and GDP to over 35% (PPP terms), surpassing the G7 in economic weight. As ASEAN’s largest economy, it bridges Southeast Asia with BRICS, potentially attracting neighbors like Malaysia and Vietnam to follow suit. The accession also revives Indonesia’s leadership in the Global South, echoing the 1955 Bandung Conference’s principles of sovereignty and mutual respect.
Critics question BRICS’ internal cohesion and warn of perceived alignment with China and Russia, but Indonesian officials stress pragmatic, development-focused engagement. Ultimately, Indonesia’s membership underscores its strategic recalibration as a key architect of a multipolar world, while BRICS gains legitimacy and momentum in challenging Western hegemony.
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