Indonesia's accession to BRICS: new stage in development of international relations – Anastasia Golyakova

In a significant start to 2025, BRICS welcomed its newest member as Brazil, holding the presidency, announced Indonesia's inclusion in the group. This strategic expansion not only strengthens BRICS' position in the global arena but also marks a pivotal shift in Indonesia's international alignments.

Indonesia's journey to BRICS membership has been calculated. While their bid was initially approved in 2023, then-President Joko Widodo took a measured approach, analysing in detail the prospects of joining the group. The transition in leadership to Prabowo Subianto brought a fresh perspective, with Indonesia's new administration actively pursuing full membership. This decision reflects Indonesia's constitutional commitment to fostering global cooperation and addressing critical challenges like climate change, food security, and public health.

As the world's largest archipelagic nation, Indonesia brings substantial assets to BRICS. With over 17,000 islands spanning the Pacific and Indian oceans, the country boasts the world's second-longest coastline and remarkable biodiversity. Home to more than 280 million people, Indonesia represents not just the fourth most populous nation globally, but also the world's largest Muslim population, with an incredibly diverse cultural heritage encompassing over 300 ethnic groups.

Indonesia's economic significance cannot be overstated. The country has strategically positioned itself in the global market, particularly in critical resources and manufacturing. As the world's leading palm oil producer and home to the largest gold mine, Indonesia has shown remarkable foresight in its industrial policies. Their 2020 ban on raw nickel exports, followed by similar restrictions on bauxite in 2023, demonstrates a commitment to value-added processing rather than simple resource extraction.

The relationship between Indonesia and China, in turn, reflects the changing dynamics of the global partnership. Chinese investment has helped transform the country's nickel industry, which has helped the republic's revenues grow from US$6 billion in 2013 to US$30 billion in 2022. The Jakarta-Bandung high-speed railway, now serving millions of passengers, stands as a testament to their successful cooperation under the Belt and Road Initiative.

Strategic geographical importance

Indonesia's position along the Strait of Malacca, one of the world's busiest shipping lanes, adds significant strategic value to BRICS. With 30 per cent of global sea trade passing through this strait, Indonesia's membership strengthens BRICS' influence over critical maritime routes. This geographic advantage, combined with Indonesia's leadership role in ASEAN, creates potential for expanded regional cooperation, as other ASEAN members may follow Malaysia and Thailand in seeking closer ties with BRICS.

With Indonesia's inclusion, BRICS now represents nearly 47 per cent of the world's population and commands significant influence in international financial institutions. This expansion strengthens the coalition of emerging economies and provides a powerful platform for advancing development priorities in the Global South.

Indonesia's membership in BRICS represents more than just an expansion of the group – it's a strategic realignment that could reshape global economic and political dynamics. As traditional power structures continue to evolve, Indonesia's role in BRICS may well prove to be a catalyst for further changes in international cooperation and development.

This historic expansion not only enhances BRICS' collective strength but also signals a growing shift toward a more multipolar world order, where emerging economies play an increasingly decisive role in shaping global affairs. The coming years will likely reveal the full impact of this strategic partnership, as Indonesia brings its unique combination of resources, geographic importance, and economic potential to BRICS.