Analysis of PPI Chief as Prabowo Reassures the Public about the Rupiah Exchange Rate

President Prabowo Subianto has expressed surprise at those panicking over the weakening rupiah against the US dollar. Executive Director of Parameter Politik Indonesia (PPI), Adi Prayitno, views Prabowo’s statement as an effort to portray Indonesia in a positive light.

“One thing is certain: President Prabowo wants to ensure that Indonesia is doing well despite the weakening rupiah, unlike what some people believe,” said Adi to reporters on Sunday (17 May 2026).

According to Adi, in the eyes of the public, there is often a perception that Indonesia is not doing well simply because the rupiah is weakening against the dollar. This assumption, according to Adi, has been around for a long time.

“However, as long as people’s basic needs are met and the prices of essential goods such as tofu, eggs, tempeh, LPG gas, meat, etc., remain stable, there is no need to worry about the weakening rupiah,” he said.

Adi believes that the government must maintain people’s purchasing power by not raising the prices of essential goods. The key, according to Adi, is that the prices of basic necessities and fuel should not increase; then, the weakening rupiah will not have a significant impact on the public.

“As long as the government guarantees that there will be no increase in the prices of basic necessities for the lower classes, whatever happens with the rupiah, the country’s condition will be fine. This is what the government must ensure,” he said.

“So far, there have been no increases in anything related to the basic needs of the lower classes. For example, the prices of tofu and tempeh have not increased, subsidized fuel has not increased, LPG has not increased, and so on. The key is that the basic needs of the people must be met,” he added.

However, Adi warns about those who may take advantage of the weakening rupiah for their own benefit. Adi believes that unstable conditions are often exploited by certain parties.

“What needs to be anticipated is the presence of ‘opportunists’ who exploit the weak rupiah by seeking personal gain and raising the prices of essential goods. We must not allow anyone to profit from a difficult situation. In this country, there are many people who like to dance on the suffering of others,” he said.

Previously, Prabowo spoke about the weakening rupiah exchange rate against the USD. Prabowo assured that Indonesia’s economic condition is currently very stable.

“I am sure that some people always say that Indonesia will collapse, will be in chaos… right? The rupiah is like this, the dollar is like this. But the people in villages don’t use dollars, do they?” said Prabowo in his speech during the inauguration of the Ibu Marsinah Museum in Nganjuk, East Java, on Saturday (16 May).

Prabowo expressed his surprise at those who continue to spread negative narratives about national economic resilience. According to him, while many countries are panicking, Indonesia is actually in a safe position.

“Food and energy supplies are secure. Many countries are panicking, but Indonesia is still doing well. We have been given much by the Almighty,” he added.