Jakarta, Jan. 7: Indonesia has officially joined the BRICS as a full member, Brazil’s government announced on Monday. The group, which brings together major emerging economies, now consists of Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa, and Indonesia.

Indonesia’s foreign ministry welcomed the news in a statement issued on Tuesday, describing BRICS membership as “a strategic way to increase collaboration and partnership with other developing nations.”

As the world’s fourth most populous country, Indonesia had long expressed interest in joining BRICS to strengthen alliances among emerging nations and advance the goals of the Global South.

Brazil, which holds the presidency of BRICS in 2025, said member states had unanimously approved Indonesia’s membership during the 2023 BRICS summit in Johannesburg.

However, Indonesia chose to finalise its membership after its presidential election in 2024, which saw President Prabowo Subianto take office in October.

“Indonesia shares with other BRICS members a commitment to reforming global governance institutions and contributes positively to strengthening cooperation among nations in the Global South,” Brazil’s government stated.

BRICS has been expanding its membership in recent years. Alongside Indonesia, the bloc also includes Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, and the United Arab Emirates, reflecting its growing influence among developing nations.-Agencies