Indonesia joins BRICS, boosting global alliance's influence
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 inclusion of the fourth-most populous country in the world strengthens the bloc.
Indonesia's candidacy was supported by BRICS leaders in August 2023, according to Brazil's Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
However, the fourth most populous country in the world decided to formally join the bloc only after the presidential election in October 2024, won by Gen. Prabowo Subianto, a former defense minister.
As 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 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.
