Indonesia joins BRICS, boosting influence of the global south
Brazil announced on Monday that Indonesia has been accepted as a full member of the BRICS bloc of developing countries. Brazil will chair the group in 2025. As the fourth-most populous country in the world, Indonesia strengthens the bloc.
Indonesia's candidacy was supported by BRICS leaders as early as August 2023, according to the Brazilian Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Nevertheless, the fourth most populous country in the world chose to formally join the bloc only after the presidential elections held in October 2024, which Gen. Prabowo Subianto, the former Minister of Defence, won.
With the largest population and economy in Southeast Asia, Indonesia shares a commitment with other members to reform global governance institutions and contributes positively to deepening South-South cooperation, stated the Brazilian government.
BRICS expands
BRICS was formed by Brazil, Russia, India, and China in 2009, and South Africa joined in 2010.
Last year, the alliance expanded to include Iran, Egypt, Ethiopia, and the United Arab Emirates. Saudi Arabia has been invited to join but has not yet done so.
Formal applications for membership have been submitted by Turkey, Azerbaijan, and Malaysia. The last summit of the bloc took place in October 2024 in Kazan, Russia.
