Brazil, the current chair of BRICS, has announced Indonesia’s full membership in the group.
Brazil announced on Monday that Indonesia has officially joined BRICS as a full member.
Established in 2009 by Brazil, Russia, India, and China, with South Africa joining in 2011, BRICS initially focused on mutual investment and financial stability. Its scope has since broadened to encompass a wider range of issues, including security concerns.
While Indonesian leaders endorsed their candidacy in 2023, the nation, with a population exceeding 270 million, joined after its new government formed last year.
“Indonesia aligns with other BRICS members in supporting global governance reform and actively promotes enhanced cooperation within the Global South,” the Brazilian government stated.
“As Southeast Asia’s largest economy and most populous nation, Indonesia shares its members’ commitment to reforming global governance and fostering South-South cooperation,” the statement continued.
Last year, Iran, Egypt, Ethiopia, and the United Arab Emirates also became full BRICS members. Belarus, Bolivia, Kazakhstan, Thailand, Cuba, Uganda, Malaysia, and Uzbekistan are among the nations expected to gain BRICS partner status this year.
Over two dozen countries have expressed interest in collaborating with BRICS, according to senior Russian officials. Russia held the rotating presidency in 2024.