Brazil has officially welcomed Indonesia as a full member of BRICS as of January 6, 2024. This membership follows approval at the Johannesburg Summit in August 2023 and aligns with Indonesia’s economic stature as the largest in Southeast Asia. The move expands BRICS’s members to eleven and emphasizes Brazil’s commitment to enhancing cooperation in the Global South under its presidency.
On January 6, Brazil announced the formal accession of Indonesia as a full member of BRICS, reflecting a significant expansion of the group during Brazil’s presidency, which commenced on January 1. Indonesia’s membership was previously sanctioned at the Johannesburg Summit in August 2023 and was finalized following the establishment of Indonesia’s new government, which awaited the conclusion of its presidential elections scheduled for 2024 before confirming its commitment to joining the coalition. In a statement from the Brazilian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the government underscored Indonesia’s status as “the largest economy in Southeast Asia” and its shared objectives with BRICS in promoting reform within global governance institutions and advancing cooperation in the Global South, which are central themes of the Brazilian presidency. With Indonesia’s inclusion, BRICS now comprises eleven full members: Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, United Arab Emirates, Ethiopia, Iran, and Indonesia.
The BRICS group, originally comprised of Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa, has been a platform for emerging economies to collaborate on various global issues. The inclusion of countries like Indonesia, recognized as the largest economy in Southeast Asia, signifies a strategic move towards diversifying the group’s representation and strengthening its global influence. This development is particularly relevant in light of BRICS’ goals to enhance cooperation among developing nations and advocate for reforms in international governance structures, aligning with Brazil’s presidency campaign focused on sustainability and inclusivity.
The accession of Indonesia marks a pivotal moment in BRICS’s evolution, underscoring its commitment to fostering economic collaboration among emerging economies. By welcoming Indonesia, BRICS not only amplifies its regional representation in Southeast Asia but also reinforces its overarching aims of promoting reform in global governance and deepening South-South cooperation. This expansion reflects Brazil’s proactive approach under its new presidency, highlighting the significance of inclusive and sustainable governance.
Original Source: www.gov.br
