Indonesia Joins BRICS Partner Countries
BRICS welcomes Indonesia as a partner country starting January 1, 2025. Russian Presidential Aide Yury Ushakov announced this milestone on Monday, December 23. Specifically, Indonesia joins eight other nations in achieving partner status with the influential economic bloc. The announcement marks a significant expansion of the BRICS organization’s global reach. Ushakov confirmed Indonesia’s inclusion alongside countries like Belarus, Bolivia, Kazakhstan, and others. This development reflects the growing international interest in the BRICS partnership mechanism.
The BRICS Expansion
Alongside Indonesia, eight other countries have been confirmed as BRICS partner nations, including Belarus, Bolivia, Kazakhstan, Thailand, Cuba, Uganda, Malaysia, and Uzbekistan. This development marks a significant step towards creating a multipolar world, where emerging economies come together to promote economic influence and cooperation.
A Strong Response to the BRICS Summit
The BRICS Summit in Kazan, Russia (2024), drew an impressive crowd. Specifically, 41 delegations from 30 countries attended the event. Additionally, six heads of international organizations participated. This strong turnout demonstrates the appeal of the group to developing nations. Moreover, it highlights the growing interest in collaboration from Global South and Eastern countries. The summit underscores the economic clout of these major emerging economies. Furthermore, it showcases their increasing influence on the world stage. Notably, several nations expressed interest in becoming BRICS Partner Countries. This development signals the expanding reach of the alliance. Consequently, the summit reinforced the group’s position as a significant player in global affairs.
Unity in Diversity
“We received 35 membership applications, and undoubtedly, one of the most significant outcomes of the summit was the establishment of the ‘BRICS partner countries’ category,” Ushakov stated during a press conference. He explained that out of the proposals submitted by 13 countries applying for membership, nine countries, including Indonesia, have expressed their readiness to become BRICS partner countries.
Open Doors Policy
The BRICS alliance actively welcomes like-minded nations seeking membership. Currently, over 20 countries have expressed keen interest in joining this dynamic organization. Moreover, rapidly growing economies are forming a powerful collaborative network. Their unity represents a strategic approach to reshaping global economic dynamics. Notably, these emerging nations aim to create a multipolar world order. By joining forces, they effectively protect the interests of developing regions. Furthermore, their collective economic strength challenges traditional global power structures. The alliance serves as a transformative platform for Global South and Eastern countries. This partnership signals a significant shift in international economic relationships. These nations are proactively building a more balanced and inclusive global economic landscape.
Indonesia’s Interests Align with BRICS
Foreign Minister Sugiono emphasized that many of BRICS’ objectives align with Indonesia’s aspirations, including advocating for a more inclusive multilateral system and raising issues such as Palestinian independence. BRICS could serve as an effective platform for Indonesia to discuss and advance shared interests with other developing nations.
A Bridge Builder in International Relations
Indonesia’s decision to join BRICS is not seen as siding with any particular power or bloc, but rather as a reflection of its role as a “bridge builder,” fostering communication between conflicting parties. “This is also an implementation of our independent and active foreign policy,” Sugiono stated on Monday, December 2.
Challenges and Opportunities
Despite feedback from various parties urging Indonesia to reconsider its intention to join BRICS, the country remains committed to joining the organization, asserting its sovereign right to determine partnerships that serve its national interests. Sugiono acknowledged that Indonesia’s participation in BRICS should not be interpreted as siding with any particular power or bloc.
Notably, Indonesia’s decision to join BRICS partner countries marks a significant development in international relations. Moreover, this move promotes economic influence and cooperation among emerging economies. Furthermore, as a bridge builder, Indonesia is strategically poised to play a key role in shaping the multipolar world of the future. Additionally, the country’s participation signals a growing commitment to collaborative global economic strategies.
Source article: Katadata