Indonesia has officially become a member of the BRICS group, a move that is drawing attention and concern, particularly in Western countries. The Southeast Asian nation’s application was approved by all existing BRICS members in late 2024, marking a significant step in Indonesia’s expanding global influence.
With its membership, Indonesia joins a bloc of emerging economies that aims to challenge traditional Western dominance in global affairs. The country’s government has highlighted that joining BRICS aligns with its goals of advocating for a more balanced and fair global system. Indonesia intends to play an active role in pushing for reforms within global institutions, focusing on the interests of developing nations.
Western countries, however, have expressed unease about the implications of Indonesia’s entry into the group, especially in light of the growing influence of China and Russia within BRICS. The bloc’s discussions on reducing reliance on the US dollar and enhancing the use of local currencies have sparked concerns over shifting global financial dynamics. Some experts fear that the BRICS countries’ increasing collaboration could weaken Western economic and political influence.
Indonesia’s inclusion in BRICS underscores the growing importance of emerging economies in shaping the future of global governance. The expansion of BRICS highlights a trend toward multipolarity, with a shift in power dynamics from the West to the Global South.