The member countries of BRICS officially held their 17th Summit on July 6–7, 2025, in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. This year’s gathering was significant, as it marked Indonesia’s debut as a full member of BRICS—a pivotal move in redefining Indonesia’s role in the global economic and geopolitical arena. Indonesia’s participation is expected to further strengthen BRICS' position as a powerful economic alliance of emerging nations within the global order.

On Sunday (July 6, 2025), BRICS leaders formally welcomed Indonesia as a full member, along with the inclusion of ten other nations as official BRICS partners.

“We welcome the Republic of Indonesia as a BRICS member, as well as Belarus, Bolivia, Kazakhstan, Cuba, Nigeria, Malaysia, Thailand, Vietnam, Uganda, and Uzbekistan as BRICS partner countries,” said BRICS leaders, as quoted by ddnews.

BRICS was originally formed in 2009 by Brazil, Russia, India, and China. South Africa officially joined the group in 2010. Last year, BRICS expanded by adding six new members: Egypt, Indonesia, Ethiopia, Iran, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates.

In terms of economic scale, the combined Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of BRICS nations based on 2024 data reached US$30.2 trillion, or approximately Rp489.546 trillion (assuming an exchange rate of Rp16,230 per US$1).

This figure represents about 27% of the global GDP, which was estimated at US$111.3 trillion, or Rp1,806.699 trillion. These numbers emphasize BRICS' strategic status as a major economic bloc within the developing world, playing a vital role in the global economy.

During the 2025 BRICS Summit in Brazil, the group also addressed current global geopolitical and economic issues.

BRICS leaders strongly condemned the military attacks on Gaza and Iran, while also calling for urgent reforms to global institutions. They reaffirmed BRICS’ role as an emerging multilateral force capable of filling gaps in international diplomacy.

Another key topic of discussion was the reciprocal tariffs being pushed by U.S. President Donald Trump. BRICS viewed these protectionist policies as a serious threat to the global trade system. The criticism implicitly targeted Trump’s “America First” agenda, which has defined his administration’s trade stance.

2024 GDP of BRICS Partner Countries

The total GDP of the BRICS partner countries amounts to approximately US$3.8 trillion or Rp61.674 trillion (based on an exchange rate of Rp16,230 per US$1).

When combined with the economic power of BRICS members, the collective GDP reaches US$34 trillion, equivalent to Rp552.420 trillion. This solidifies the position of BRICS and its partners as a major force in the global economy.

For Indonesia, attending the BRICS Summit as an official member for the first time represents a strategic opportunity to enhance its commitment to an active and independent economic diplomacy. With its consistent economic growth, Indonesia is well-positioned to play a key role in shaping a more inclusive and competitive BRICS future.