Indonesia has recently been acknowledged as a “partner country” by the BRICS economic group, an announcement made by Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Aleksandr Pankin. This designation was confirmed during his address at the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Ministerial Meeting held in Lima, Peru. Pankin highlighted the significance of this recognition, noting that Indonesia, along with Malaysia and Thailand, has been granted this status following the BRICS Summit in Kazan. This gathering demonstrated a collective international ambition to establish a more equitable global order, reform international institutions, and foster fair economic relationships. The summit resulted in an impressive array of agreements covering vital areas like trade, investment, artificial intelligence, energy, and climate change.
The partner country status enables nations to engage actively in BRICS activities without being full members. Specifically, it allows these nations to participate in special sessions of BRICS summits, foreign ministers’ meetings, and other high-level events, thus providing a platform for collaboration on various issues. Moreover, these partner countries can contribute to the group’s outcome documents, which shape the organization’s direction and policies. This step comes as over 30 countries expressed interest in joining BRICS, leading to the creation of this status as an alternative to full membership.
In addition to Indonesia, Pankin indicated that Malaysia and Thailand also received the partner status, further expanding the influence of BRICS in the Asia-Pacific region. While these countries were not mentioned in the official foreign ministry statement, their inclusion signals a growing trend among nations seeking collaborative opportunities within this significant economic bloc. BRICS originally comprised Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa but has broadened its membership in recent years, welcoming countries such as Egypt, Iran, Ethiopia, and the United Arab Emirates as of January 1, 2024.
The expansion of BRICS is in line with a broader geopolitical shift towards a multipolar world, which Belarus has recently embraced. The Belarusian government described BRICS as a “pillar” of this new world structure, offering nations hope for a more just international order. Additionally, Bolivian Foreign Minister Celinda Sosa Lunda revealed that Bolivia has also received an invitation from Russia to join the ranks of partner countries, highlighting the increasing interest among Latin American countries in aligning with BRICS.
While the official list of aspiring partners has yet to be released, reports suggest that several other nations are vying for this partner status. Countries like Algeria, Cuba, Kazakhstan, Nigeria, Türkiye, Uganda, Uzbekistan, and Vietnam are speculated to be potential candidates. This interest underscores the appeal of BRICS as an alternative economic and political framework, providing diverse nations with an opportunity to collaborate outside the traditional Western-dominated structures.
In summary, Indonesia’s recognition as a BRICS partner country exemplifies the bloc’s expanding influence and the shifting dynamics of global governance. As BRICS continues to attract interest from various nations, it reflects a desire for a more inclusive approach to international relations, economic collaboration, and the establishment of a balanced multipolar world. The granting of partner country status marks a significant development in the global economic landscape, paving the way for greater cooperation among emerging economies. As these nations come together, they may reshape the future of international economic ties and contribute to a more equitable global order.