The Russian Federation has officially welcomed the Republic of Indonesia as a full member of the BRICS group, effective from January 1, 2025. Indonesia’s inclusion marks a significant milestone in the group’s expansion and strengthens its presence in Southeast Asia.
Indonesia’s membership was initially approved during the BRICS summit held in Johannesburg, South Africa, in 2023. However, formal entry was delayed due to Indonesia’s presidential elections in 2024, as officials opted to postpone the request until after the new government was inaugurated.
During Russia’s chairmanship of BRICS in 2024, Jakarta formally submitted its membership request, which was reviewed following the group’s established principles, standards, and procedures for expansion. The bid was unanimously approved by all BRICS member states, highlighting a collective endorsement of Indonesia’s inclusion.
As Southeast Asia’s largest economy and most populous country, Indonesia brings significant influence to BRICS, aligning with the group’s principles of mutual respect, openness, pragmatism, solidarity, and consensus-based decision-making.
“Indonesia’s accession further strengthens BRICS’ global standing and reflects the continued momentum for greater cooperation among countries of the Global South and East,” the Russian Foreign Ministry stated. “It contributes to building a more balanced, multipolar world order where diverse nations have a stronger voice on the global stage.”
Indonesia joins BRICS at a time when the group continues to expand its influence, focusing on economic collaboration, sustainable development, and more equitable global governance structures. The move is widely seen as a positive step toward strengthening regional cooperation and diversifying global economic partnerships.