Last year we saw the addition of new country members to BRICS, the existing nations comprising Russia, Brazil, India, China and South Africa. The year 2025 keeps up the growth momentum, according to a report by a Russian media. BRICS are now members of 10 full nations after Indonesia officially joined the BRICS on 6 January, 2025. BRICS currently includes Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa, Egypt, the United Arab Emirates, Ethiopia, Iran, and Indonesia.

BRICS

What does Indonesia bring to the table?

Indonesia is the fourth-most populous nation (281,562,465) in the world.

It is the world’s 16th-largest economy by nominal GDP and the 8th-largest by PPP (purchasing power parity).

The country is a major exporter of crude petroleum and natural gas, supplier of rubber, coffee, cocoa, palm oil, sugar, tea, tobacco, copra, and spices.

Its average GDP is projected to grow 5.1% per year from 2024 to 2026, according to the World Bank.

Newest BRICS partner states

Belarus: Russia’s closest security ally, positioned in the heart of Europe;

Bolivia: Boasts the world’s largest lithium reserves at around 23 million tonnes;

Kazakhstan: 9th-largest country in the world, with Caspian Sea ports of Aktau and Kuryk; trade turnover with Russia already at $30 billion;

Cuba: Rich in minerals like nickel and cobalt; strategic Caribbean location;

Malaysia: Offers a “neutral and non-aligned” venue for strategic semiconductor hub via its National Semiconductor Strategy (NSS);

Thailand: Offers the role of “bridge builder” with regional groupings, such as ASEAN, APEC, ACD, and Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC);

Uganda: Strategic location for regional trade and investment in East Africa;

Uzbekistan: Active in projects such as the North-South Transport Corridor, connecting Russian ports with Iran;

Nigeria: Africa’s largest economy, with GDP growth projected to reach 3.6% per year in 2025-2026, according to the World Bank