Historic Membership: Indonesia became the first Southeast Asian country to join BRICS, marking a significant step in its foreign policy aimed at global influence and development.
Economic and Strategic Gains: As a BRICS member, Indonesia can boost foreign investments, diversify exports, and foster collaboration on global issues, solidifying its regional and international standing.
Enhanced India-Indonesia Cooperation: Indonesia’s inclusion strengthens bilateral ties with India, offering opportunities for collaboration in defense, trade, and regional security while promoting shared goals within BRICS.
Indonesia’s Historic Entry into BRICS:
On January 7, 2025, Indonesia became the first Southeast Asian country to successfully join BRICS, a coalition of Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa. This historic decision marks a significant milestone in Indonesia’s foreign policy, aligning with its vision of becoming a valuable global player and contributing to international system reforms. Brazil announced Indonesia’s inclusion, citing its steadfast commitment to South-South cooperation.
Discussions about Indonesia’s accession began 15 years ago, with Jakarta expressing interest through BRICS meetings and statements of intent. However, it was only in late 2023, under President Joko Widodo’s successor, Prabowo Subianto, that Indonesia officially shifted focus to BRICS. This decision reflects a deeper understanding of the synergy between BRICS and Indonesia’s national interests and development plans. Formal endorsement of Indonesia’s candidacy came in August 2023. Although initial hesitation existed under Widodo’s administration, the new government swiftly prioritized strengthening Indonesia’s position within the bloc, responding to global power shifts and the rising importance of developing nations in global affairs.
BRICS: Strengthening Collective Influence
With Indonesia now a BRICS member, the bloc’s global role is poised for significant enhancement. Indonesia, the largest economy in Southeast Asia with over 270 million people, brings substantial demographic and economic power to the group. Its inclusion strengthens BRICS’ goal of offering a non-G7/8 perspective on global economic matters. The organization’s focus on developing countries appeals to potential new members like Turkey and Malaysia, transforming BRICS into a powerful coalition advocating for the Global South. Collaborative efforts in areas such as climate change, international trade, and development can yield collective benefits. Economically, Indonesia stands to gain through increased foreign investment, technology partnerships, and enhanced trade relations within the bloc. BRICS membership enables Jakarta to diversify export markets, attract investments, and support its ambitious GDP growth target of 8% annually. By fostering stronger ties with emerging economies, Indonesia solidifies its regional and global economic standing.
What It Means for India
Source: Defence News India
India, a founding BRICS member, now has an opportunity to deepen collaboration with Indonesia, another large Asian economy. Both nations share concerns about Southeast Asian stability and regional security challenges posed by external powers. Strengthened bilateral relations can lead to joint ventures in defense, trade, and technology sectors. The partnership within BRICS also helps counterbalance influences from global powers like China and the United States, promoting regional cohesion. Indonesia’s membership highlights BRICS’ evolution from an alliance of high-growth economies to a platform amplifying the voices of emerging powers. As Jakarta joins discussions on global governance reforms, both Indonesia and BRICS nations will address critical issues shaping global integration. This transformative phase underscores shared stewardship among emerging powers, progress driven by equity, and efficient global exchanges.
References
“Indonesia Officially Becomes First Southeast Asian Member of BRICS,” n.d. https://thediplomat.com/2025/01/indonesia-officially-becomes-first-southeast-asian-member-of-brics/.
“Https://Www.Hindustantimes.Com/World-News/Brazil-Announces-Indonesias-Full-Membership-in-Brics-101736209207295.Html,” n.d.
“What Will Change with Indonesia Entering BRICS? – DW – 01/07/2025,” January 7, 2025. https://www.dw.com/en/what-will-change-with-indonesia-entering-brics/a-71240863.
“Https://Www.Aseanbriefing.Com/News/Indonesias-Approach-to-Brics-Opportunities-and-Membership-Potential/,” n.d.
“Https://Www.Reuters.Com/World/Indonesia-Join-Brics-Bloc-Full-Member-Brazil-Says-2025-01-06/,” n.d.
Shrivara Mahajan is pursuing an International Relations major with a minor in Public Policy at OP Jindal Global University. He is a Senior Intern at the Jindal Centre for the Global South and has priorly interned with The Spread Smile Foundation. Views expressed are the author’s own.
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