MOSCOW, Aug 30 Chairman of the Indonesian Parliament for Economic Affairs Said Abdullah urged the country's government to speed up the process of Indonesia's accession to the BRICS alliance, Detik reports.
The BRICS Summit was held in Johannesburg on August 22-24. Despite reports of an application from Indonesia to join the alliance, the country was not among the new members of the association. From January 1, 2024, they will be Argentina, Egypt, Iran, the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia and Ethiopia.
«We hope that Indonesia will soon be able to join the BRICS, although President Widodo has said that he is still considering our membership in (alliance — ed.)», Abdullah announced at a working meeting of the parliament.
According to the politician, Indonesia's membership in the alliance will give the state a number of advantages. In particular, Indonesia is interested in joining the BRICS, as the alliance can support the country's efforts to develop local currency settlements.
“The spirit of BRICS should become Indonesia's new hope for increasing economic growth, reducing dependence on the US dollar and developing investment,” the parliamentarian explained.
He also warned the government to be wary of the economic downturn in China, Japan and the United States, as the three countries are Indonesia's strategic trading partners. According to the politician, Indonesia's accession to the BRICS will be able to reduce dependence on these countries.