Indonesia joins Russia, China and others in the group, which is viewed as a counterweight to the West.
Indonesia has officially joined the BRICS group, a coalition of emerging economies that includes Russia, China, Brazil, and others, often regarded as a counterweight to Western influence.
Brazil, holding the BRICS rotating presidency, announced on Monday that Indonesia would become a full member of the bloc. Jakarta confirmed the development on Tuesday, stating it “welcomes” the decision.
In a statement, Indonesia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs emphasized that joining BRICS represents “a strategic step to enhance collaboration and cooperation with other developing nations, founded on principles of equality, mutual respect, and sustainable development.” The ministry also expressed “gratitude to Russia,” the 2024 BRICS chair, for its support and leadership in facilitating Indonesia’s membership.
Brazil’s foreign ministry highlighted that Indonesia, Southeast Asia’s most populous nation, aligns with other BRICS members in its aspiration to reform global governance institutions and strengthen cooperation within the Global South. Indonesia’s inclusion in the bloc was approved during the 2023 BRICS summit in Johannesburg.
This move underscores Indonesia’s growing role in global economic and political affairs and its commitment to contributing to the shared goals of emerging economies.