Indonesia is the fourth most populated country in the world, and is the seventh largest economy. This alliance represents half of the world’s population under one mutual financial bloc.
Brazil, one of the founding members and which holds this year’s presidency (Russia held it last year), announced Indonesia’s inclusion in an official statement on Monday, January 6th. The brief statement read:
In the exercise of the Brazilian pro tempore presidency of BRICS, which began on January 1 and will extend until December 31, 2025, the Brazilian government announced today, January 6, the formal entry of the Republic of Indonesia into BRICS, as a full member.
Indonesia’s candidacy received the endorsement of the grouping’s leaders at the Johannesburg Summit in August 2023, in the context of the process of expanding the BRICS full membership. Due to the presidential elections in 2024, Indonesia formally communicated to the group its interest in joining BRICS, only after the formation of a new government. The BRICS countries, by consensus, approved the entry of Indonesia into the grouping, in line with the guiding principles, criteria and procedures for the expansion of the membership framework agreed in Johannesburg.
The Brazilian government welcomes the Indonesian government for joining BRICS. With the largest population and the largest economy in Southeast Asia, Indonesia shares with the other members of the group support for the reform of global governance institutions and contributes positively to the deepening of cooperation in the Global South, priority themes for the Brazilian presidency of BRICS, whose motto Strengthening the Cooperation of the Global South for a more Inclusive and Sustainable Governance.
Moreover, TV BRICS reported:
China also expressed its congratulations, noting Indonesia’s active participation in BRICS Plus initiatives and its alignment with the BRICS spirit of multilateralism and common development.
In turn, the Indonesian Ministry of Foreign Affairs thanked Russia, as 2024 BRICS Chair, for its support and leadership in facilitating Indonesia’s accession to the group, as well as Brazil, 2025 BRICS Chair, which announced Indonesia’s membership.
Earlier, Eduardo Paes Saboia, Brazil’s Foreign Ministry Secretary for Asia and the Pacific and the country’s Sherpa to BRICS, said that the Brazilian government supports the inclusion of new participants in the group. Additionally, in December it became known that Belarus, Bolivia, Cuba, Kazakhstan, Malaysia, Thailand, Uganda, and Uzbekistan would join the association as partner countries.
BRICS original members include Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa, and its newest members Ethiopia, Iran, Saudi Arabia, Egypt and the United Arab of Emirates. Dozens of other nations have previously expressed interest in joining the bloc.
ASEAN Briefing noted Indonesia’s primary exports are palm oil, coal, natural gas, and rubber. The country’s key imports include machinery, electronics, and chemicals.
The outlet added: ‘However, success will depend on Jakarta’s ability to implement structural reforms, navigate geopolitical complexities, and ensure that its BRICS membership translates into real economic gains. As Indonesia embarks on this transformative journey, its active participation in BRICS will be instrumental in shaping its economic future while contributing to the bloc’s vision of a more equitable global order.’
AUTHOR COMMENTARY
While this important news was given hardly any adequate air time in American media, what has dominated the headlines is Trump’s radical calls to make Canada the 51st state, and seize control of Greenland and the Panama Canal, and rename the Gulf of Mexico the “Gulf of America.”
This is just speculation, but it makes me wonder if Trump is suddenly saying all of this as a bluff, to intimidate BRICS the rest of the world. Time will tell, but I think most of this is just a diversionary tactic and gong show antics to coverup for a fledging and dead empire. Time will tell.
Be that as it may and whatever result occurs, BRICS will continue to grow as the United States’ economic and military hegemony collapses.
Job 12:23 He increaseth the nations, and destroyeth them: he enlargeth the nations, and straiteneth them again.
[7] Who goeth a warfare any time at his own charges? who planteth a vineyard, and eateth not of the fruit thereof? or who feedeth a flock, and eateth not of the milk of the flock? [8] Say I these things as a man? or saith not the law the same also? [9] For it is written in the law of Moses, Thou shalt not muzzle the mouth of the ox that treadeth out the corn. Doth God take care for oxen? [10] Or saith he it altogether for our sakes? For our sakes, no doubt, this is written: that he that ploweth should plow in hope; and that he that thresheth in hope should be partaker of his hope. (1 Corinthians 9:7-10).
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