Indonesia joins BRICS: Strengthening global South unity
Brazil announced on Monday that Indonesia has been accepted as a full member of the BRICS (BRICS) developing countries' bloc. Brazil will preside over the group in 2025. The addition of the fourth-most populous country in the world strengthens the bloc.
As reported by Brazil's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Indonesia's candidacy was supported by BRICS leaders back in August 2023.
However, the fourth-most populous country worldwide chose to formally join the bloc only after Gen. Prabowo Subianto, a former defence minister, won the presidential election in October 2024.
With the largest population and economy in Southeast Asia, Indonesia shares with other members a commitment to reforming global governance institutions and contributes positively to deepening South-South cooperation, the Brazilian government stated.
BRICS is expanding
BRICS was formed by Brazil, Russia, India, and China in 2009, with South Africa joining 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 accepted.
Formal applications for membership have been submitted by Turkey, Azerbaijan, and Malaysia. The most recent summit of the bloc took place in October 2024 in Kazan, Russia.
