Indonesia’s inclusion in the BRICS alliance marks a seismic shift in global economics, one that promises to reshape the balance of power. As the world’s fourth most populous nation and the seventh largest economy, Indonesia brings a level of influence that cannot be ignored. With over 270 million people and a GDP surpassing $1.3 trillion, this is no ordinary expansion—it’s a statement.
BRICS now represents nearly half of the world’s population, a staggering 4 billion people, creating a formidable economic bloc. Indonesia’s rapid economic growth, regularly exceeding 5% annually, is a game-changer. Adding $1.4 trillion to the group’s GDP, BRICS now controls more than 41% of global GDP in purchasing power parity (PPP). While China still dominates the bloc, contributing 70% of its total GDP, Indonesia’s entry adds critical momentum.
Indonesia’s vast commodity resources further amplify BRICS’s global reach. As the world’s top nickel producer, Indonesia joins forces with Russia, China, and Brazil, commanding markets in oil, gas, grains, meat, and minerals. This strategic partnership enhances BRICS’s role in global trade, making it a formidable force in commodity exports.
The timing of Indonesia’s entry into BRICS couldn’t be more significant. Endorsed in 2023 and formally joining under the 2024 government, this move marks a clear commitment to global governance reform. The BRICS presidency, held by Brazil in 2025, sees Indonesia stepping into a role that strengthens South-South cooperation, a crucial element in the bloc’s expanding influence.
But the economic shift is only part of the story. BRICS is positioning itself as a geopolitical powerhouse with a mission to challenge Western-dominated financial systems. As the group pushes for de-dollarization, it has already attracted over 30 nations seeking partnership or full membership. This is no longer a mere economic bloc—it’s a platform for countries eager to reshape the global financial landscape.
In 2025 alone, BRICS added nine new partner countries, signaling an intent to grow beyond its current boundaries. Leaders within BRICS, including Brazil’s Foreign Ministry, have made it clear: Indonesia’s inclusion reflects a shared vision for reforming global governance institutions, ensuring emerging markets have a louder, more influential voice.
Indonesia’s arrival in BRICS isn’t just a numbers game—it’s a reshaping of global power structures. This expansion could very well signal the end of Western dominance and the rise of a new, more inclusive global order where emerging economies hold the reins. BRICS is no longer just an economic bloc; it is an evolving force poised to redefine the global political and economic landscape.
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