Indonesia’s entry into BRICS as the 11th member underscores its strategic importance as Southeast Asia’s largest economy and a key global player. Malaysia and Thailand see BRICS as a platform to expand their influence, while Vietnam considers joining. The growing ASEAN-BRICS ties signal a shift towards stronger South-South cooperation and enhanced economic opportunities.
BRICS bridge- With the 11th member, Indonesia enrolls to BRICS at present.A remarkable milestone in global history will be the fact that Indonesia become the first Southeast Asian nation to be a member of this bloc. This strategic decision, approved during the 2023 BRICS summit in Johannesburg, and finalized after Indonesia’s 2024 general elections, highlights the country’s position as both Southeast Asia’s largest economy and the world’s fourth-most populous country. BRICS membership also allows Indonesia to further explore new opportunities in trade and investment which will help maintain its position as a connector of international maritime trade routes. Membership also includes access to institutions such as the New Development Bank (NDB), in accordance with Indonesia’s futuristic “Golden Indonesia 2045” plan towards the nation’s development becoming a developed economy by 2045.
Both Malaysia and Thailand, however, as BRICS partner nations are seen as not picking sides for joining, but using the BRICS Bridge to play a larger role in the international economic-political landscape. The importance of BRICS in promoting multilateralism and shaping the voices of developing countries in global governance have also been emphasized by Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim and Thai Foreign Minister Maris Sangiampongsa. For now, Vietnam has been invited to be a partner member of BRICS, but no official decision has been made yet.
The BRICS expansion reflects changing alignments in global politics and the rising practice of South-South cooperation among countries from the developing world. Indonesia, Malaysia and Thailand already have longstanding relations with members of the BRICS bloc, particularly in relation to China’s Belt and Road Initiative. ASEAN countries also enjoy a growing population and economic potential, and the enlarged participation in BRICS by Southeast Asian states will help strengthen the position of the latter in the emerging global economic order, paving the way for deeper collaboration and sustainable growth.