INDONESIA BECOMES THE 10 BRICS MEMBER

Written by Michael Thervil

On Monday while the rest of the world kept their eyes on the Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, they missed the expansion of the BRICS socio-economic bloc with Indonesia becoming the 10th  member of the bloc. While western powers were advising Indonesia not to join BRICS, Indonesia stood firm on what's best for their own interests and moved closer to BRICS despite the advice (some say warning) of the West.

With Indonesia boasting $1.37 trillion  in GDP (Gross Domestic Product), the southeast Asian nation adds even more value to the already whooping 41.41% of the total GDP of all the BRICS members combined. Indonesia currently is the world's 3rd largest producer of nickel, second largest producer of gold products, the world's 3rd largest producer of coal, and the world's 3rd largest holder of copper. Another interesting fact is that Indonesia's top exports include palm oil, ferroalloys which consist of chromium, manganese, silicon, aluminum, and/or  titanium. In addition to that, Indonesia also exports 35% of its gas to the world's market and it also exports copper ore.

Indonesia exports mesh well with other BRICS member nations because all of these exports tend to be exported to China, Singapore and India. In a press statement made by the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Jakarta, they stated that Indonesia’s move to join BRICS was:

“a strategic step to improve the collaborations and cooperation with other developing nations, based on the principle of equality, mutual respect, and sustainable development”.

Jakarta Ministry of Foreign Affairs also when on to state:

“This achievement shows Indonesia’s increasingly active role in global issues and commitment to strengthening multilateral cooperation to create a global structure that is more inclusive and fair.”

Indonesia placed its bid and was approved to join the BRICS bloc back during its 2023 summit in Johannesburg, South Africa. Indonesia's induction into BRICS comes on the heels of newly elected American President Donald Trump promising to impose a 100% tariff on all countries within the BRICS block. Keep in mind that the western backed nation of Japan relies on exports from Indonesia. So, if President elect Donald Trump plans on placing 100% tariffs on BRICS member nations, then he would be in effect crippling Japan in this aspect. This is relevant because Japan is currently suffering from supply chain and labor cost issues.

The implementation of Donald Trump's draconian tariffs is a move that many predict will further restrict if not ultimately isolate America from the world market.  The world has become diversified and with that diversification means that the world has become multipolar. Many geopolitical pundits hold the perspective that the Collective West, specifically America, have either failed or are purposely neglecting to not only realize but respect the change that has currently taken place.