Airlangga Reveals Surge in US Dollar Demand During Hajj Season, Pressuring the Rupiah

The rupiah exchange rate is facing pressure and has reached its weakest level against the US dollar. On Tuesday (5/5) trading, the rupiah moved in the range of Rp 17,400 per US dollar.

Coordinating Minister for the Economy Airlangga Hartarto stated that the currency weakening is not only occurring in Indonesia but also in several other countries against the US dollar.

“Regarding the rupiah, various countries are indeed experiencing weakening against the US dollar,” he said during a Media Briefing at the Coordinating Ministry for the Economy office on Tuesday (5/5/2026) afternoon.

He explained that in the second quarter, demand for dollars tends to increase. In addition to needs for Hajj pilgrimage, other factors contributing include dividend payments by companies.

“Usually during the Hajj pilgrimage, demand for dollars increases. In the second quarter, there are also dividend payments, so dollar demand is high,” said Airlangga.

To anticipate this pressure, the government together with Bank Indonesia is preparing several measures, including strengthening currency swap cooperation with various countries.

This cooperation is carried out with several partners such as China, Japan, and South Korea to maintain exchange rate stability.

In addition, the government is also preparing a financing diversification strategy, including the issuance of securities in currencies other than the US dollar.

“This is to guard against pressure on the US dollar,” he said.

The government assures that it will continue to monitor global and domestic developments to maintain rupiah exchange rate stability amid international economic dynamics.