Indonesia is now officially a member of the New Development Bank (NDB), a multilateral development bank established by the BRICS nations—Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa.
The announcement was made directly by President Prabowo Subianto on March 25, 2025, following his meeting with NDB President Dilma Vana Rousseff at the Merdeka Palace in Jakarta.
Joining NDB: Boosting Development
Indonesia’s decision to join the New Development Bank (NDB) was not made lightly. President Prabowo Subianto first held discussions with the NDB team and Indonesia’s financial authorities, including Minister of Foreign Affairs Sugiono, Minister of Investment and Downstream Industry Rosan Roeslani, and Minister of Finance Sri Mulyani.
After a thorough evaluation by the Ministry of Finance, Indonesia ultimately decided to become a part of the bank, adhering to the established procedures and requirements.
President Prabowo emphasized that NDB, founded in July 2014, plays a crucial role in financing sustainable development projects and supporting the economic growth of developing nations.
Headquartered in Shanghai, China, the bank also has regional centers in various locations, including Africa. Currently, NDB has an initial capital of US$100 billion, funded by its founding member states.
NDB’s Areas of Cooperation and Priorities in Indonesia
President Prabowo Subianto emphasized that Indonesia’s decision to join the New Development Bank (NDB) aligns with the country’s vision to accelerate national development transformation.
He expressed gratitude for the invitation to become a member and sees NDB as a strategic partner that can propel Indonesia’s economic growth to a higher level.
NDB President Dilma Vana Rousseff welcomed this decision, noting that Indonesia’s development priorities closely align with NDB’s focus areas, particularly in infrastructure projects, logistics, railways, highways, ports, airports, and digital connectivity.
Rousseff also highlighted Indonesia’s achievements in the energy sector, especially in biofuel development, which she believes makes Indonesia a strong strategic partner. She praised Indonesia’s successful implementation of Biodiesel B40, pointing out that Brazil has only reached B17 after years of development.
77 Projects Backed by NDB
Rousseff revealed that NDB has received a list of 77 proposed projects from Indonesia and is ready to support their realization. She also acknowledged Indonesia’s clear long-term development vision and well-structured strategies to drive economic growth.
While project details are still under discussion, this collaboration is expected to accelerate national development and enhance Indonesia’s global competitiveness.
By joining NDB, Indonesia now stands alongside other member countries such as Russia, Egypt, and the United Arab Emirates, opening new opportunities for funding strategic projects.
Next Steps
The government is currently continuing the administrative process and fulfilling membership requirements for NDB. However, there is no certainty yet on when Indonesia’s membership will officially take effect.
