Indonesia Joins BRICS as a Full Member
New Delhi: In a landmark development that underscores the shifting dynamics of global geopolitics, Indonesia has officially joined BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa) as a full member. The announcement, made by Brazil on January 6, 2025, marks a significant step forward for Indonesia, making it the first Southeast Asian nation to enter the prominent bloc of emerging economies. The decision follows months of deliberation and was finalized after the formation of Indonesia’s new government under President Prabowo Subianto, who took office in October 2024.
Indonesia’s Strategic Move: A Focus on Collaboration
Indonesia’s foreign ministry expressed enthusiasm about the membership, calling it a “strategic way to increase collaboration and partnership with other developing nations.” As the world’s fourth most populous country and Southeast Asia’s largest economy, Indonesia’s entry into BRICS reflects its commitment to playing a more proactive role in shaping global governance and amplifying the voice of the Global South.
The country had shown interest in joining BRICS for years but took a cautious approach under former President Joko Widodo, who weighed the benefits and risks of such a move. The final push for membership came after the 2023 BRICS Summit in Johannesburg, where the bloc endorsed Indonesia’s candidacy. However, Jakarta deferred formal membership until after its presidential elections, signaling a calculated approach to align its foreign policy with the vision of the new administration.
Prabowo’s Vision for Indonesia’s Global Role
President Prabowo Subianto’s decision to join BRICS aligns with his administration’s broader goals of enhancing food and energy security, eradicating poverty, and fostering human capital development. Speaking at the annual BRICS Summit held in Kazan, Russia, in October 2024, Indonesia’s Foreign Minister Sugiono emphasized that the country’s membership “embodies an active and independent foreign policy.” This approach seeks to balance relationships with Western powers while deepening ties with the Global South.
Unlike former President Widodo, who maintained a cautious distance from BRICS, Prabowo views the bloc as an opportunity to secure development opportunities and strengthen economic resilience. Experts suggest that Prabowo’s administration aims to leverage BRICS to diversify Indonesia’s partnerships without endorsing the geopolitical stances of any single member, particularly those of Russia or China.
The Global South and Reforming Governance
BRICS has evolved over the years from a purely economic alliance to a platform advocating for reforms in global governance institutions dominated by Western powers. Indonesia shares this commitment, joining other members in calling for a more equitable representation of developing nations in organizations like the United Nations, World Bank, and International Monetary Fund.
Brazil, which holds the BRICS presidency in 2025, welcomed Indonesia’s entry, noting that Jakarta’s membership reflects the bloc’s focus on expanding its influence across regions. “With the largest population and economy in Southeast Asia, Indonesia contributes positively to deepening South-South cooperation,” the Brazilian government stated.
Expansion of BRICS: A Growing Influence
Indonesia’s admission comes as part of a broader expansion strategy endorsed at the 2023 BRICS Summit. In recent years, the bloc has added new members, including Saudi Arabia, Iran, Egypt, Ethiopia, and the United Arab Emirates, while designating 13 nations as “partner countries.” This includes Malaysia, Thailand, and Vietnam, indicating growing interest from Southeast Asia in the bloc’s objectives.
Analysts see Indonesia’s entry as a step toward broadening BRICS’ regional representation and enhancing its global legitimacy. The move also reflects a strategic recalibration by Southeast Asian nations, which are seeking alternatives to traditional Western-dominated institutions amidst rising geopolitical tensions.
Balancing East and West
Indonesia’s decision to join BRICS highlights its nuanced approach to foreign policy. While the bloc has often been portrayed as a counterweight to Western-led alliances, Jakarta has clarified that its membership does not indicate alignment with any particular geopolitical camp. “It does not mean that we are joining a certain camp, but we actively participate in all forums,” said Foreign Minister Sugiono.
This balanced stance is consistent with Indonesia’s long-standing foreign policy tradition of being “free and active,” which prioritizes engagement with multiple global actors without becoming overly dependent on any single power. The policy reflects Indonesia’s desire to maintain good relations with both China and the United States while advancing its own national interests.
Implications for Southeast Asia
Indonesia’s elevation to full BRICS membership is expected to have a ripple effect across Southeast Asia. As the first nation from the region to join the bloc, Indonesia’s membership could inspire other countries, such as Malaysia and Thailand, to accelerate their bids. Both nations have already applied for BRICS membership and are currently listed as partner countries.
This development also signals Southeast Asia’s growing interest in leveraging platforms like BRICS to diversify economic and diplomatic partnerships. In an era marked by increasing polarization between major powers, countries in the region are keen to explore multilateral forums that offer greater autonomy and opportunities for collaboration.
Challenges and Opportunities
While BRICS offers Indonesia significant opportunities for economic and political collaboration, its membership is not without challenges. Critics argue that the bloc’s diverse membership and varying national interests make it difficult to achieve cohesive policies. Additionally, BRICS’ perceived alignment with China and Russia may complicate Indonesia’s efforts to maintain neutrality in global affairs.
However, proponents of Indonesia’s membership believe the benefits outweigh the challenges. By joining BRICS, Indonesia gains access to a platform for influencing global economic policies, expanding trade partnerships, and securing investments in critical sectors like infrastructure and energy.
Conclusion: A Strategic Leap Forward
Indonesia’s entry into BRICS marks a historic milestone, both for the country and for the bloc. As the first Southeast Asian nation to join, Indonesia brings a unique perspective and a wealth of opportunities to the table. Its membership underscores the growing importance of emerging economies in shaping global governance and advancing the interests of the Global South.
Under President Prabowo’s leadership, Indonesia is poised to play a more active role in international forums, leveraging its BRICS membership to drive economic growth and strengthen regional cooperation. As the bloc continues to expand its influence, Indonesia’s participation will undoubtedly contribute to shaping the future of global geopolitics.
FAQs
Why did Indonesia join BRICS?
Indonesia joined BRICS to enhance collaboration with other developing nations, reform global governance institutions, and advance its national priorities, such as food security and poverty eradication.
What is the significance of Indonesia being the first Southeast Asian member of BRICS?
Indonesia’s membership signals Southeast Asia’s growing interest in BRICS and reflects the bloc’s efforts to expand its regional representation.
How does BRICS benefit Indonesia?
BRICS provides Indonesia with opportunities for economic cooperation, trade partnerships, and investment in critical sectors like energy and infrastructure.
What challenges might Indonesia face as a BRICS member?
Indonesia may face challenges related to the bloc’s diverse interests and its perceived alignment with China and Russia, which could complicate Jakarta’s neutral foreign policy stance.
What does Indonesia’s BRICS membership mean for Southeast Asia?
Indonesia’s entry could inspire other Southeast Asian nations to seek membership, strengthening the region’s voice in global economic and political affairs.
