Indonesia's Inclusion in BRICS: A Strategic Move for Global Cooperation

Indonesia recently expressed its enthusiasm about Brazil's announcement of its membership in BRICS, the economic bloc composed of emerging nations increasingly viewed as an alternative to Western dominance. Brazil’s foreign ministry confirmed on Monday that Indonesia shares common goals with the bloc's members, particularly in reforming global governance institutions and advancing cooperation within the Global South.

In 2023, during a summit in Johannesburg, Indonesia's application to join BRICS was approved, and Brazil, which holds the rotating BRICS presidency in 2025, expressed its commitment to strengthening multilateral relations. Indonesia, in turn, welcomed this opportunity, emphasizing its growing influence on the global stage and its dedication to fostering a fairer and more inclusive global order.

The BRICS bloc, established in 2009 by Brazil, Russia, India, and China, expanded with South Africa’s inclusion in 2010. Further expansion took place in 2023 with the entry of Iran, Egypt, Ethiopia, and the United Arab Emirates.

Indonesia views its membership as a strategic step toward enhancing collaboration with fellow developing nations, based on principles of equality, mutual respect, and sustainable development. Indonesia also expressed gratitude to Russia, the 2024 BRICS chair, and to Brazil for their support in facilitating the nation's accession.

Brazil’s presidency in 2025 will focus on strengthening ties among Global South countries and advocating for reforms in multilateral institutions. One of Brazil's key objectives is to promote alternative payment methods that would simplify trade within the bloc. During the November 2024 BRICS summit, the group discussed strategies to reduce dependence on the US dollar and promote local currencies for trade, a move that triggered strong reactions from US President-elect Donald Trump, who threatened tariffs on BRICS members if they undermined the US dollar.

The next BRICS summit is scheduled for July 2025 in Rio de Janeiro, continuing the group's push for greater economic cooperation and reform of the global financial system.