Indonesia Officially Joins BRICS: A New Era of Global Cooperation?
indonesia’s ascension to full membership in teh BRICS group has been officially confirmed by the Brazilian government, marking a meaningful development in global geopolitics. The proclamation, made on Monday, July 6, 2025, by Brazil‘s ministry of Foreign Affairs, signals a potential shift in the balance of power and a renewed focus on South-South cooperation.
Brazil, currently holding the rotating BRICS presidency, stated that Indonesia’s application, initially approved at the 2023 Johannesburg summit, has been finalized. The statement highlighted Indonesia’s shared commitment with other BRICS members to reforming global governance institutions and fostering stronger cooperation among developing nations. “Indonesia shares support with other members of this group for the reform of global governance institutions,and makes a positive contribution to deepening cooperation in the countries of the South,” the Brazilian government declared.
BRICS, initially formed in 2009 by Brazil, Russia, India, and China, welcomed South Africa in 2010. The group’s expansion continued in 2024 with the addition of Iran, Egypt, Ethiopia, and the United Arab Emirates. Indonesia’s inclusion further strengthens the bloc’s influence on the world stage.
Under Brazil’s presidency, a key focus has been on enhancing cooperation among Global South nations and reforming multilateral institutions. A significant goal involves developing alternative payment systems to facilitate trade among member countries, reducing reliance on the U.S. dollar. This initiative gained momentum at the November 2024 BRICS summit in Kazan, Russia, where discussions centered on increasing non-dollar transactions and strengthening local currencies. The next BRICS summit is scheduled for July in Rio de Janeiro.
According to Reuters, Indonesia’s BRICS membership bid received approval in 2023, following the country’s presidential elections. The move is seen by many analysts as a strategic decision by Indonesia to diversify its international partnerships and enhance its economic standing in the global arena. The implications for the U.S.and its existing international alliances remain to be seen, but the shift in global power dynamics is undeniable.
The addition of Indonesia, a significant player in Southeast Asia, adds considerable economic and geopolitical weight to BRICS.This development will undoubtedly be closely watched by policymakers and analysts worldwide as the group continues to shape the future of global cooperation and economic relations.
Indonesia Joins BRICS: A Shift in Global Power Dynamics?
Indonesia’s recent inclusion into the influential BRICS alliance marks a critically important moment in global geopolitics.This expansion of the bloc, which already comprises Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa, Iran, Egypt, Ethiopia, and the United Arab Emirates, has sparked debate about the future of international cooperation and economic relations.
We sat down with Dr. Anya Sharma, a leading expert on international relations and emerging economies, to discuss the implications of Indonesia’s BRICS membership.
Indonesia’s Strategic Entry into BRICS
Senior Editor: Dr.Sharma, Indonesia is a significant addition to the BRICS group. What motivated Indonesia to seek membership?
Dr. Sharma: I think Indonesia’s decision comes from a desire to diversify its international partnerships and gain greater influence on the global stage. As a major Southeast Asian economy with a large population, Indonesia seeks to play a more prominent role in shaping global affairs. joining BRICS provides them with a platform to amplify their voice and collaborate with other emerging economies.
BRICS: A Growing Force for Global South Cooperation
Senior Editor: BRICS has been vocal about reforming global governance institutions and promoting South-South cooperation. How will Indonesia’s membership contribute to these goals?
Dr. Sharma: Indonesia’s inclusion further strengthens BRICS’s position as a champion for developing nations. Indonesia’s experience in navigating regional dynamics and promoting cooperation within ASEAN can be invaluable to the group. They can also contribute significantly to discussions on reforming international financial institutions and promoting choice payment systems that reduce reliance on the U.S. dollar.
Impact on the Global Economic Landscape
senior Editor: BRICS has expressed interest in establishing alternative payment systems. Could you elaborate on the potential economic implications of these plans?
Dr. Sharma: The move towards non-dollar transactions could possibly reshape global financial flows. If successful, it could lead to a more multipolar world order, where countries have more options and are less dependent on a single currency. However, it’s a complex process with significant challenges, and its success hinges on the commitment and cooperation of all BRICS members.
looking Ahead: A New Era of global Cooperation?
Senior Editor: Do you believe Indonesia’s BRICS membership signals a major shift in global power dynamics?
Dr. Sharma: It’s undoubtedly a symbolic move that underscores the growing influence of emerging economies. The expansion of BRICS and its focus on South-South cooperation challenge the existing global order and push for a more equitable and multipolar world. It will be interesting to see how this plays out in the coming years and what impact it has on international relations and the global economy.
