Indonesia Becomes Member of BRICS Group of Emerging Economies

Indonesia has officially become a member of the BRICS group, joining Russia, China, Brazil, and other emerging economies, Al Jazeera reported yesterday. This bloc is increasingly seen as a counterbalance to Western influence in global affairs. Brazil, which currently holds the rotating presidency of BRICS, announced Indonesia’s membership, which Jakarta welcomed as a strategic move to enhance cooperation with other developing nations.

The Indonesian Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that joining BRICS aligns with its goals of fostering equality, mutual respect, and sustainable development. The ministry expressed gratitude to Russia for facilitating this membership. Indonesia’s inclusion was approved during a summit in Johannesburg in 2023.

BRICS aims to reform global governance institutions and promote collaboration within the Global South. The group has recently expanded to include Iran, Egypt, Ethiopia, and the UAE, and is advocating for the “de-dollarisation” of international trade, a goal that has drawn attention from global powers, including the United States.

It should be mentioned that Indonesia is home to the largest Muslim population in the world, with approximately 87.06% of its population identifying as Muslim. This translates to about 242 million Muslims living in the country, making it the most populous Muslim-majority nation globally.