Indonesia Joins BRICS as Full Member, First Southeast Asian Nation in Bloc

Jan 6, 2025, 09:40 PM

Indonesia has officially joined BRICS as a full member, following unanimous approval by all BRICS nations, according to an announcement by Brazil, which holds the BRICS presidency in 2025. Indonesia, the world's fourth most populous nation with nearly 300 million people, is the first Southeast Asian country to join the bloc. The inclusion of Indonesia marks a significant expansion of the group of emerging economies that also includes Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa. Indonesia had previously expressed its desire to join BRICS to strengthen emerging countries and further the interests of the Global South. The Chinese Foreign Ministry welcomed Indonesia's accession, highlighting Indonesia's active participation in BRICS Plus cooperation. Indonesia's membership is expected to bolster the group's collective voice and influence in promoting the interests of developing nations.