Ambassador to Russia: Indonesia seeks full BRICS membership

Indonesia, which has received the status of a BRICS partner country, intends to join the organization as a full member, said Indonesia's Ambassador to Russia, Jose Antonio Morato Tavares.

During a conference at the Russian State University for the Humanities (RSUH), dedicated to the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Russia and Indonesia, the ambassador noted that negotiations are ongoing to establish a free trade area between Indonesia and the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU), Caliber.Az reports, citing Russian media.

"We look positively to the future of bilateral relations and expect more dynamic relations with Russia. Indonesia is interested in joining BRICS. Currently, we are a partner country. We hope that Indonesia will become a full member of the organization," he said

According to the diplomat, last year, more than 161,000 Russian tourists visited Indonesia, and from January to October 2024 - over 144,000.

“Of course, we are also interested in increasing the number of students studying abroad, including in Russia," the ambassador added.

Notably, this year, Indonesia actively engaged with the BRICS group, a coalition of major emerging economies comprising Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa. In October 2024, during the BRICS summit in Kazan, Russia, Indonesia was officially designated as a "partner country" alongside Malaysia, Thailand, Vietnam, Türkiye, Nigeria, Cuba, and Kazakhstan.

This designation allows Indonesia to participate in BRICS activities and discussions without full membership. The BRICS alliance has expanded its influence by inviting additional countries to join as full members, including Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, and the United Arab Emirates.

Indonesia's engagement with BRICS aligns with its broader foreign policy objectives, aiming to strengthen economic and diplomatic ties with emerging economies. The country has expressed interest in pursuing full BRICS membership in the future, reflecting its commitment to enhancing its role in global economic affairs.

By Khagan Isayev