Photo Credit: (AsiaToday, 2024)[1]

Indonesia has officially joined BRICS as a full member. This strategic move reflects Indonesia’s ambition to enhance its global influence through partnerships with emerging economies.[2] By becoming a member of this influential bloc, Indonesia seeks to strengthen multilateral cooperation and advance sustainable development goals.[3]

The decision aligns with President Prabowo Subianto’s priority goals, which include fostering deeper relationships with nations in the Global South. Unlike the previous government’s focus on pursuing OECD membership, this move highlights a shift towards broader engageme nt with non-Western alliances. The Indonesian Ministry of Foreign Affairs has stated that this membership symbolizes the nation’s readiness to engage in broader international collaborations and strengthen its role in addressing global challenges.[4]

Membership of BRICS offers Indonesia numerous opportunities with prospects for, economic collaboration. Enhanced trade and investment with key members such as China, India, and Brazil could accelerate growth in critical sectors like energy, infrastructure, and technology. Additionally, Indonesia gains a valuable platform to advocate for reforms in global governance and to articulate the priorities of the Global South.[5]

However, this decision also presents challenges. Indonesia must carefully navigate the geopolitical complexities of being part of a bloc often perceived as an alternative to Western-dominated institutions. Maintaining its long-standing commitment to neutrality while deepening ties with BRICS will require astute diplomacy. Economically, Indonesia must mitigate risks associated with over-reliance on BRICS economies by ensuring that its trade and investment strategies remain diversified.[6]

Indonesia’s entry into BRICS represents a bold step towards expanding its influence on the global stage. While the opportunities are significant, the nation must tread carefully to ensure its foreign policy continues to prioritize strategic autonomy and balanced partnerships, reflecting its non-aligned principles.[7]



 

Sources: 

[1] AsiaToday. (2024, October 27). AsiaToday.id: News. Retrieved from AsiaToday: https://asiatoday.id/read/indonesia-joining-brics-is-right-so-it-wont-be-dominated-by-oecd

[2] Reuters. (2025, January 7). Reuters. Retrieved from Reuters: https://www.reuters.com/world/indonesia-join-brics-bloc-full-member-brazil-says-2025-01-06/

[3] PESSOA, G. S. (2025, January 7). AP News: World News. Retrieved from apnews: https://apnews.com/article/brazil-brics-indonesia-membership-c05b0c8e2ae493f9046479e62a45d8fa

 [4] The Australian . (2025, January 8). The Australian. Retrieved from The Australian: https://www.theaustralian.com.au/subscribe/news/1/?sourceCode=TAWEB_WRE170_a_GGL&dest=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.theaustralian.com.au%2Fworld%2Findonesia-looks-to-calm-waters-with-japan-over-brics-move%2Fnews-story%2Fff5b07149d0b39108091f24690a982c9&memtype=anonym

[5] Medina, A. F. (2025, January 8). ASEAN Briefing. Retrieved from ASEAN Briefing: https://www.aseanbriefing.com/news/indonesia-joins-brics-unlocking-new-economic-opportunities/

[6] Gozali, G., & Pashya, M. (2024, November 26). the interpreter. Retrieved from Lowy Institute: https://www.lowyinstitute.org/the-interpreter/joining-brics-not-indonesia-s-interests

[7] Sulaiman, Y. (2024, October 29). RSIS Publication. Retrieved from RSIS: https://www.rsis.edu.sg/rsis-publication/idss/ip24088-indonesia-and-brics-will-it-stack-together/