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BRICS welcomes Indonesia as full member and announces 10 new partner countries in major move to strengthen Global South cooperation
In a landmark announcement from the 2025 BRICS Summit in Rio de Janeiro, Indonesia has been officially welcomed as the newest full member of the influential bloc of emerging economies. The declaration, signed by all BRICS leaders, marks a major step in the group’s ongoing expansion and its mission to reshape global governance.
“We proudly welcome Indonesia into the BRICS family,” read the official declaration. “Its growing economic influence, geopolitical significance, and leadership in Southeast Asia make it a vital partner in advancing a more balanced and inclusive world order.”
With this move, BRICS now includes Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa, Egypt, Iran, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and Indonesia, expanding both its economic clout and geopolitical reach.
Ten Nations Added as BRICS Partners
In addition to Indonesia’s full membership, BRICS leaders unveiled a new BRICS+ Partnership Program, granting official partner status to 10 additional countries:
Belarus
Bolivia
Kazakhstan
Cuba
Nigeria
Malaysia
Thailand
Vietnam
Uganda
Uzbekistan
Officials say the partner initiative will allow for closer coordination in trade, development finance, climate cooperation, and multilateral diplomacy, without requiring immediate full membership.
“This is a turning point,” said Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, the summit host. “BRICS is no longer just a group it is becoming a true global movement for justice, development, and peace.”
Why Indonesia Matters
As the world’s fourth-most populous country and the largest economy in Southeast Asia, Indonesia’s entry brings major strategic and symbolic weight to BRICS. With an economy projected to be among the world’s top 10 by 2030, Indonesia’s inclusion reflects its growing role in shaping global economic and political discourse.
Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto Djojohadikusumo, attending the summit in person, called the membership “a historic moment” for his country.
“Indonesia is ready to contribute actively to BRICS’ shared vision of a fair, multipolar world,” Widodo said. “We represent the voice of ASEAN, the Muslim world, and emerging democracies.”
The 2025 summit, hosted in Rio under the theme “Unity in Diversity, Power in Partnership,” underscores BRICS’ ambition to provide an alternative to Western-dominated institutions like the G7, IMF, and World Bank.
The expansion comes amid global economic turbulence, U.S.-China tensions, and growing calls for reforming international financial systems. BRICS leaders emphasized the need for de-dollarization, local currency trade, and greater representation of the Global South in global decision-making.
“The world is evolving and so must the frameworks that govern it,” said South African President Cyril Ramaphosa. “This is about building a system that reflects today’s multipolar realities.”
What Comes Next for BRICS+
While full integration of new members will take time, analysts say the group is gaining momentum. Plans are underway to:
Expand the New Development Bank’s lending programs
Create a shared digital payment infrastructure
Launch joint energy, agriculture, and infrastructure initiatives among member states
Critics argue that internal divisions—especially between democratic and authoritarian members may limit BRICS’ long-term coherence. Still, the bloc’s combined population now exceeds 4.6 billion, and its collective GDP (PPP) surpasses that of the G7.
Conclusion
With Indonesia’s accession and the addition of 10 new strategic partners, BRICS is no longer just an acronym—it is emerging as a coalition with global ambition. As the group continues to grow, its ability to influence the international order will be closely watched by allies and rivals alike.
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