Indonesia’s accession to the BRICS group as a full member is making waves globally, particularly in Western nations concerned about the increasing geopolitical influence of China and Russia. Indonesia, the largest economy in Southeast Asia, officially joined the BRICS bloc following the approval of all member states after submitting its membership application in late 2024.
This strategic move signals Indonesia’s growing role on the world stage and highlights its commitment to fostering a multipolar world order. The Indonesian government emphasized that its membership will allow the country to engage more actively in global discussions, particularly those involving economic reforms and governance.
While BRICS countries are eager to expand their influence, some experts worry about the implications of Indonesia’s entry for Western interests. The bloc has been exploring alternatives to the US dollar and ways to boost the role of local currencies, which could undermine Western financial systems. These developments have raised concerns about the long-term direction of the BRICS coalition, which increasingly aligns itself with non-Western powers.
Indonesia’s membership represents not only a win for the country but also a significant step in the ongoing shift of power from traditional Western-dominated institutions to emerging economies in the Global South. The move solidifies BRICS’ ambitions to reshape the global economic and political landscape.