Kofi Mensah The Foreign Ministers of the BRICS nations (Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa) have extended an invitation to Indonesia to join their alliance, disclosed Retno Marsudi, Indonesia’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, to a legislative committee.
The outreach to Indonesia was collectively initiated by the foreign ministers of all BRICS member countries, Marsudi remarked during a session of the House of Representatives’ First Commission, the body overseeing defense, intelligence, and foreign policy.
The Indonesian government is presently engaged in an in-depth evaluation of the political and economic advantages of joining the BRICS organization, Marsudi stated. A formal “expression of interest” letter has not been submitted to the grouping by Indonesia as of yet.
Retno Marsudi underscored the fact that Indonesian President Joko Widodo had been present at the BRICS summit held in Johannesburg, South Africa, between August 22-24. During this summit, he stressed the strong bilateral ties Indonesia maintains with each member of the BRICS countries.
President Widodo indicated during the event that his country is still in the process of assessing its potential participation in the BRICS alliance. “First, we wish to conduct thorough evaluations and calculations; we are not inclined to act hastily,” he conveyed, as per a video released by his office.
In the recent summit, the existing five members of BRICS resolved to expand their coalition by incorporating six additional countries—Argentina, Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates—effective January 1, 2024. According to a Russian diplomatic source, these nations have accepted the offer to join.
The Indian Business Standard daily had cited Indonesia as a prospective candidate for BRICS membership in a report published in June. With the existing BRICS nations already representing 40% of the global population, the inclusion of Indonesia, the world’s most populous Muslim-majority country, would be significant.
We welcome your thoughts on whether Indonesia will submit a formal application to join BRICS in the comments section below.
Table Of Contents
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about BRICS Indonesia Membership
What is the main subject of the article?
The main subject of the article is the invitation extended to Indonesia by the Foreign Ministers of the BRICS nations (Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa) to join their organization.
Who disclosed the information about Indonesia’s potential BRICS membership?
Retno Marsudi, Indonesia’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, disclosed the information during a session of the House of Representatives’ First Commission.
Has Indonesia made a decision regarding BRICS membership?
No, Indonesia has not yet made a formal decision. The government is currently evaluating the political and economic benefits of becoming a member.
What did Indonesian President Joko Widodo say about the BRICS membership?
President Joko Widodo indicated that Indonesia is still in the process of assessing its potential participation in the BRICS alliance. He emphasized the need for thorough evaluation and cautioned against acting hastily.
Are there any other countries that are likely to join BRICS soon?
Yes, the existing BRICS members have agreed to expand the organization by adding six more nations: Argentina, Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates, effective January 1, 2024.
Was Indonesia previously considered as a candidate for BRICS membership?
Yes, Indonesia was mentioned as a potential candidate for BRICS membership in a report by the Indian Business Standard daily in June.
How significant would Indonesia’s inclusion be in the BRICS organization?
With BRICS nations already representing 40% of the global population, the inclusion of Indonesia, the world’s most populous Muslim-majority country, would be significant.
More about BRICS Indonesia Membership
- BRICS Official Website
- Indonesian Ministry of Foreign Affairs Press Release
- House of Representatives’ First Commission Official Records
- Report by Indian Business Standard on BRICS Expansion
- Video Statement by President Joko Widodo on BRICS Membership
- Russian Diplomatic Source on BRICS Expansion
6 comments
Hmm, interesting read. But i wonder what the true benefits for Indonesia would be, joining BRICS? It’s a double-edged sword maybe.
Wow, Indonesia joining BRICS could be a game changer! always thought they should be part of something bigger, geopolitically speaking.
BRICS itself is pretty diverse, adding Indonesia to the mix will definitely add another layer of complexity. Would love to see how this unfolds.
didnt see this coming but makes sense. Indonesia has a big economy and this could make it even stronger.
Great article! very detailed. Looking forward to see if Indonesia actually takes the plunge.
Are they seriously considering this? Seems like it could be political suicide depending on how relations evolve. careful what you wish for…