Indonesia has officially joined BRICS.
Indonesia has officially joined BRICS – the economic bloc established by Russia, Brazil, India, and China.
Indonesia has become a full member of BRICS. This was announced on Monday, January 6, by the Brazilian government, which assumed the presidency of the organization on January 1, according to Reuters.
The member countries approved Indonesia's accession – the fourth most populous country in the world – based on consensus during the expansion, which was initially greenlit at the summit in Johannesburg in 2023.
Indonesia's application was approved in 2023, but the country stated it would finalize the accession process after the presidential elections.
Prabowo Subianto took office as the head of state in October 2024, as reminded by Reuters.
“Indonesia, along with other members of the group, supports reforms of global governance institutions and makes a positive contribution to deepening cooperation among Global South countries,” added the Brazilian cabinet.
Indonesia is the first country from Southeast Asia to become a full member of BRICS. Starting in January, partner countries of the organization include Malaysia and Thailand.
In addition to the founding countries and South Africa, BRICS now also includes Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, and the United Arab Emirates.
Brazil, during its presidency, is working towards “more inclusive and sustainable governance.” It has focused on five key priorities:
- promoting trade and investment through the development of effective payment systems;
- regulating artificial intelligence;
- battling climate change and preparing for the 30th UN Climate Change Conference;
- collaborating in the field of public health;
- institutional development, which includes strengthening the internal structures of BRICS.