"By joining BRICS, Indonesia can voice the aspirations of the Global South," said an Indonesian expert.
JAKARTA, Jan. 10 (Xinhua) -- Indonesia has reached a new milestone in its diplomatic history as the largest economy and most populous nation in Southeast Asia has officially been admitted as a full member of BRICS, becoming the first country from the region to join the economic grouping.
The announcement was made on Monday by the Brazilian government, which holds the bloc's presidency this year.
Initially established in 2009 by Brazil, Russia, India, and China, with South Africa joining in 2010, BRICS now boasts a total of 10 full members.
ECONOMIC BOOST
Indonesian experts have widely praised the government's decision to join BRICS, highlighting the potential benefits for Indonesia, such as boosting its economy, attracting investments, expanding market access, and strengthening its international status.
Luhut Binsar Pandjaitan, chairman of Indonesia's National Economic Council, emphasized that the BRICS membership will expand Indonesia's market access, ensuring resilience amid global economic uncertainty.
Nailul Huda, economy director of the Jakarta-based think tank the Center of Economic and Law Studies, echoed this sentiment, noting that Indonesia's exports have traditionally depended on markets in Western countries.
"Joining BRICS will free Indonesia from over-reliance on traditional markets. With Middle Eastern countries joining BRICS, this aligns with the government's goal to tap into the Middle Eastern market. The benefits of BRICS membership are significant," said Nailul.
Telisa Aulia Falianty, professor of monetary economics at the University of Indonesia, said that BRICS has a positive impact on the Indonesian economy. Indonesia can take a stronger role in the organization if it creates a better environment for business competition.
"Some predict that with Indonesia's involvement in BRICS, economic growth can increase by 0.3 percent," she noted.
GLOBAL INFLUENCE
Indonesia's Ministry of Foreign Affairs said on Tuesday that the country views its membership in BRICS as a strategic step to enhance collaboration with other developing nations, rooted in the principles of equality, mutual respect, and sustainable development.
"This achievement reflects Indonesia's increasing active role in global issues, as well as its commitment to strengthening multilateral cooperation to create a more inclusive and just global order," the ministry said in a statement.
"BRICS is an important platform for Indonesia to strengthen South-South cooperation, ensuring that the voices and aspirations of Global South countries are heard and represented in the global decision-making process," it said.
According to Minister of Foreign Affairs Sugiono, the BRICS agenda aligns with Indonesia's national priorities under President Prabowo Subianto, particularly in food and energy security, poverty eradication, and human capital development.
Rolliansyah Soemirat, spokesperson for Indonesia's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, emphasized BRICS as an essential platform for Indonesia to strengthen South-South cooperation. "As a growing and diverse economy, Indonesia is committed to contributing to BRICS agendas, including economic resilience, public health, and technology cooperation," he said.
"Becoming a member of BRICS means Indonesia's role and sphere of influence will expand," said Ahmad Heryawan, deputy chairman of Commission I of the House of Representatives.
He added that BRICS membership enables Indonesia to play a greater role in maintaining global balance and addressing critical issues like climate change, sustainable development, and humanitarian challenges.
Paramadina University economist Wijayanto Samirin described Indonesia's BRICS membership as a strategic move to increase its bargaining position in the global arena. "It also offers Indonesia an opportunity to shape the future direction and framework of the organization," he said.
Muhammad Syaroni Rofii, an international relations expert at the University of Indonesia, said membership in BRICS can be used to expand Indonesia's network of partnerships for global agendas. "By joining BRICS, Indonesia can voice the aspirations of the Global South," she said. ■