Indonesia Joins BRICS: Strengthening the Voice of the Global South
In a major development for global geopolitics, Indonesia has officially joined the BRICS alliance — a group comprising Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa. This expansion marks a significant moment for the Global South, reinforcing its economic and political weight on the world stage.
Background: The Evolving Role of BRICS
Formed in 2009, the BRICS grouping was envisioned as a coalition of emerging economies aiming to foster cooperation in trade, investment, development finance, and global governance reform. Over the years, BRICS has positioned itself as a counterbalance to Western-dominated institutions like the IMF and World Bank.
With the inclusion of Indonesia, BRICS further expands its influence to Southeast Asia — a region vital to global supply chains, energy routes, and future growth markets.
Why Indonesia’s Membership Matters
Indonesia’s decision to join BRICS is both economic and strategic. As Southeast Asia’s largest economy and a member of the G20, Indonesia wields considerable regional influence. Its membership brings multiple advantages:
- Economic Diversification: Indonesia aims to reduce its dependency on Western markets by boosting trade with BRICS nations.
- Energy Cooperation: As a major nickel and coal producer, Indonesia can leverage BRICS investments for green energy transitions and infrastructure development.
- Geopolitical Balance: Joining BRICS allows Indonesia to maintain strategic autonomy amid U.S.-China competition in the Indo-Pacific.
- South-South Solidarity: The move reinforces Indonesia’s long-standing support for multipolarity and international equity.
Implications for India and the Global South
For India, Indonesia’s inclusion enhances regional connectivity and collaboration within BRICS frameworks such as the New Development Bank (NDB) and BRICS Business Council. The two nations already share strong maritime and economic ties, and this partnership can further facilitate cooperation on infrastructure, renewable energy, and digital transformation.
At a broader level, Indonesia’s entry strengthens the Global South narrative — advocating for fairer trade rules, technology transfer, and reforms in global financial governance.
The Road Ahead
With Indonesia onboard, BRICS now represents an even larger share of the global population and GDP. The bloc’s focus in coming years may include developing common payment systems, expanding financial institutions like the NDB, and promoting local currency trade to reduce dollar dependency.
Indonesia’s participation signals a deeper shift toward a multipolar world order, where emerging nations take the lead in shaping the future of global governance.
Frequently Asked Questions on Indonesia’s BRICS Membership
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Q: When did Indonesia officially join BRICS?
A: Indonesia officially became a full BRICS member on 6 January 2025, under the BRICS presidency of Brazil. -
Q: How was Indonesia’s BRICS membership decided?
A: BRICS leaders endorsed Indonesia’s candidacy at the Johannesburg Summit in August 2023, and membership was formalized after Indonesia’s 2024 presidential election and new government formation. -
Q: Why is Indonesia’s entry into BRICS important for the Global South?
A: As the largest economy and most populous country in Southeast Asia, Indonesia adds substantial economic and political weight to BRICS and supports reform of global governance in favour of the Global South. -
Q: What are the economic benefits of BRICS for Indonesia?
A: Membership can help Indonesia diversify trade, access New Development Bank funding for infrastructure, and attract investment aligned with its high-growth ambitions. -
Q: How does Indonesia’s BRICS membership affect India?
A: For India, Indonesia’s entry enhances prospects for cooperation in maritime security, trade, infrastructure, energy, and digital connectivity within a broader Global South framework.
Conclusion
Indonesia’s entry into BRICS is more than symbolic — it reflects a growing desire among developing nations to assert greater agency in global decision-making. As the alliance evolves, its influence on economic, environmental, and diplomatic fronts is set to reshape the architecture of the 21st-century world order.
