## Indonesia Backs BRICS Expansion and Focus on global South Collaboration
Indonesia has voiced strong support for the evolving cooperative framework within the BRICS economic bloc, as formalized in the Rio declaration stemming from the recent 17th BRICS Summit in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. The declaration signals a renewed commitment to addressing shared global challenges and fostering a more equitable international order.
### A Call for Multilateralism and Global Governance Reform
Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs Airlangga Hartarto, representing President Prabowo Subianto at the summitS plenary session, emphasized the declaration’s thorough scope. A central tenet of the Rio Declaration is a push to reinforce multilateralism and initiate crucial reforms within global governance structures. This reflects a growing sentiment among emerging economies that current international institutions require modernization to better represent the interests of the Global South [[2]].
the BRICS nations – currently comprising Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa, Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates – are advocating for a more balanced and inclusive system, challenging the traditionally dominant roles of established western powers.
### Prioritizing Peace, Economic Cooperation, and Lasting Growth
Beyond governance, BRICS leaders underscored the urgent need for concerted efforts to bolster peace and stability on the international stage. This includes a commitment to deepened collaboration across economic, trade, and financial sectors. For Indonesia, this alignment is particularly notable. The nation is actively seeking to diversify its export markets and strengthen its economic resilience in the face of ongoing global economic volatility. Indonesia views BRICS as a vital avenue for achieving these goals, providing access to rapidly growing economies and potential investment opportunities.
Moreover, the declaration highlights a shared dedication to tackling climate change and promoting sustainable development that is both equitable and inclusive. Recognizing the varying capabilities of developing nations, BRICS members agreed that the transition to clean energy and green development must be approached with sensitivity to national circumstances. This is a crucial point, as a ‘one-size-fits-all’ approach to climate action could disproportionately burden emerging economies. such as, Indonesia’s commitment to net-zero emissions by 2060 is being pursued alongside continued responsible development of its natural resources.### Fostering Human and Social Progress
The rio Declaration also stresses the importance of strengthening partnerships to advance human, social, and cultural development within BRICS nations. Indonesia recognizes these collaborations as essential catalysts for positive social conversion, contributing to improved living standards and greater inclusivity across the bloc. This could involve initiatives focused on education, healthcare, and technological innovation, tailored to the specific needs of each member state.
### The 2025 Summit and the Growing BRICS Influence
The 2025 BRICS Summit, hosted in Brazil under the theme “Strengthening Global South Cooperation for More Inclusive and Sustainable governance,” marks a pivotal moment for the bloc. It represents the fourth time brazil has hosted the summit and the second time under the leadership of President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva. The event drew high-level participation from across the BRICS membership and partner nations, including Indonesian President Prabowo, Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy ahmed, Egyptian Prime Minister mostafa madbouly, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi Khalid bin Mohammed bin Zayed, and Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi.
The expansion of BRICS, and the focus on the Global South, signals a potential shift in the global economic and political landscape. The New Development Bank, established by the original BRICS nations, is already playing a significant role in funding infrastructure and sustainable development projects in emerging economies [[3]], and its influence is expected to grow alongside the bloc itself [[2]].