DPR Members Grill Bank Indonesia Governor as Rupiah Hits 17,600
Several members of Commission XI of the House of Representatives (DPR) interrogated Bank Indonesia (BI) Governor Perry Warjiyo during a meeting at the DPR building on Monday, 18 May 2026. Members of the Finance and Banking Commission questioned the exchange rate of the rupiah, which has weakened to a new low of above Rp 17,600 per US dollar.
Harris Turino, a member of Commission XI from the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDIP) faction, questioned why the rupiah continues to falter against the dollar despite the central bank’s various efforts. “All the instruments available to BI have been utilised. But why does the rupiah continue to experience depreciation?” he asked Perry during the meeting.
Harris stated that while it must be acknowledged that global pressures are a major cause of the rupiah’s weakness, there are also serious issues driven by domestic factors. “This must be honestly admitted. There are problems in the fiscal sector, problems with the current account deficit, large-scale capital outflows, and issues regarding investor confidence in the Indonesian economy,” Harris said.
In addition to these questions, Perry also received several proposals from committee members. Eric Hermawan, a member of the Golkar Party faction in Commission XI, suggested that Bank Indonesia should raise the benchmark interest rate, known as the BI rate.
Furthermore, Commission member Primus Yustisio from the National Mandate Party (PAN) faction suggested that Perry should step down from his position. “Perhaps it is time for you to resign,” he told Perry.
According to Primus, there would be no shame in Perry resigning as Governor of Bank Indonesia. He argued that such a move would be considered an honourable act, rather than an insult as seen in neighbouring countries.
As of Monday afternoon, 18 May 2026, the rupiah exchange rate was recorded at 17,659 per US dollar. The rupiah has remained at the 17,000 level since early April 2026 and has yet to show signs of strengthening.