On January 7, 2025, Brazil, holding the presidency of BRICS, announced the admission of Indonesia into the group, which includes China, India, Russia, and South Africa. This expansion emphasizes Indonesia's role as the most populous nation and largest economy in Southeast Asia.
The announcement highlighted that Indonesia shares the group's commitment to reforming global governance institutions and enhancing Global South cooperation. The decision was made during the BRICS summit held in Johannesburg in 2023.
Indonesia's Foreign Ministry expressed that this membership reflects the country's growing active role in global affairs and its dedication to strengthening multilateral cooperation for a more inclusive and equitable global framework.
BRICS, established in 2009, has previously welcomed countries like Iran, Egypt, and the United Arab Emirates. Under Brazil's leadership, the group's focus will be on cooperation among Global South nations and reforming multilateral institutions.
One of the group's priorities includes developing alternative payment systems to facilitate trade and investment among member countries. This follows discussions at the previous BRICS summit in Kazan, Russia, on promoting transactions in currencies other than the US dollar.
Leaders from BRICS nations are expected to convene for a summit in July 2025 in Rio de Janeiro.