Indonesia’s inclusion adds economic heft and strategic depth to the BRICS alliance.
In a significant development for the global economic landscape, Indonesia has officially become a member of BRICS, joining Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa in this influential bloc of emerging economies. As one of Southeast Asia’s largest economies and a major player on the international stage, Indonesia’s inclusion brings fresh momentum to the alliance. This development not only enhances BRICS’ economic and geopolitical clout but also signals the growing importance of the Global South in shaping a multipolar world.
BRICS is an intergovernmental organisation formed in 2009 by Brazil, Russia, India, and China. In 2010, South Africa became a member after being formally invited by China. The group was then renamed BRICS to reflect the group’s expanded membership.
Initially envisioned as a platform for emerging economies to collaborate on economic growth and development, BRICS aimed to challenge the dominance of Western-led financial institutions such as the IMF and World Bank. Over the years, BRICS has established initiatives like the New Development Bank (NDB), aimed at financing infrastructure projects, and Contingent Reserve Arrangement (CRA) to provide protection against global liquidity pressures, reflecting its members’ commitment to financial cooperation and sustainability.
The group has gradually evolved into a geopolitical and geoeconomic bloc. Relations among BRICS countries are mainly based on non-interference, equality, and mutual benefit.
The BRICS Expansion
The idea of BRICS expansion has been discussed for years, gaining momentum around the Johannesburg summit in 2023. Membership criteria typically include economic stability, strategic alignment with existing members, and contributions to the bloc’s goals.
By January 2024, Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, and the UAE had joined, with Indonesia becoming the first Southeast Asia member and the 10th BRICS member on 6 January 2025.
In October 2024, Algeria, Belarus, Bolivia, Cuba, Kazakhstan, Malaysia, Nigeria, Thailand, Turkey, Uganda, Uzbekistan, and Vietnam were invited as “partner countries,” enabling them to engage with and benefit from BRICS initiatives. The term BRICS+ has also been informally used to reflect these additions.
Although Indonesia’s bid was approved in 2023, former President Joko Widodo hesitated to join, citing the nation’s non-aligned stance and concerns about ASEAN leadership and ties with Western partners. However, in 2024, under President Prabowo Subianto, Indonesia formally sought full BRICS membership.
Impact of Indonesia’s Membership
Indonesia adds significant economic and geopolitical value to BRICS. With its large population, Indonesia enhances BRICS’ global representation, now covering over 45% of the world’s population.
Southeast Asia’s largest economy, Indonesia offers substantial trade opportunities in sectors like palm oil, coal, and natural gas. Joining BRICS aligns with its aim to diversify international partnerships.
Geopolitically, Indonesia’s Indo-Pacific location bolsters BRICS’ influence in a key region for global trade and security. Membership also enables Indonesia to diversify trade, access development funding, and strengthen its global voice.
However, BRICS remains dominated by China, which accounts for 70% of its GDP. It remains unclear whether Indonesia will adopt an independent role within BRICS or align with China, given their strong economic ties and cautious diplomacy.
As China’s largest trading partner in Southeast Asia and a key Belt and Road Initiative participant, Indonesia benefits from Chinese investments in infrastructure and energy. Yet, it balances collaboration with safeguarding sovereignty and regional leadership, particularly on South China Sea disputes.
Impact on India
Indonesia’s entry into BRICS brings opportunities and challenges for India. It offers scope for stronger economic ties, particularly in the Indo-Pacific, and enhanced trade and investment partnerships in technology and manufacturing.
Indonesia could act as a bridge between BRICS and Southeast Asia, working with India and others to counterbalance China’s influence and foster a more balanced, multipolar world order.
However, Indonesia’s membership introduces competition within BRICS for leadership, potentially diluting India’s role with another major Asian economy in the group.
Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto will be the chief guest at India’s seventy-sixth Republic Day celebrations on January 26, coinciding with the seventy-fifth anniversary of diplomatic ties. President Sukarno was the chief guest at India’s first Republic Day parade in 1950, marking a historic full-circle moment. This strong bilateral relationship could further benefit India within BRICS.
Indonesia’s journey to joining BRICS marks a new chapter for the grouping. Its entry underscores the growing significance of emerging economies in reshaping global governance. As BRICS evolves, Indonesia’s participation promises to bring fresh perspectives and opportunities, cementing the alliance’s role in a multipolar world. The future of BRICS, with its expanded membership, will likely define the contours of global geopolitics in the years to come.
However, India should take a cautious approach, ensuring its strategic interests are not overshadowed by potential alignments between new members, like Indonesia, and dominant players such as China.
(The author is a foreign affairs expert. Views personal.)
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