Finance Minister Purbaya Criticised on TikTok Over Rupiah Depreciation

Jakarta, CNBC Indonesia — Finance Minister Purbaya Yudhi Sadewa disclosed that he has faced criticism and insults from social media users on TikTok. Netizens have called on him to improve the exchange rate of the rupiah, which nearly touched Rp 17,000 per US dollar last week.

“On TikTok, people insult me saying, ‘Hey Pak Purbaya, finance minister, what are you doing, look at the rupiah’,” Purbaya said during a press conference on the State Budget (APBN) KiTa on Wednesday (11 March 2026).

He explained that amid rising global dynamics and geopolitical tensions that have increased uncertainty, the pressure on the domestic financial sector, including the rupiah, has been moderate.

However, according to him, the public must understand that the current weakening of the rupiah is still better compared to other countries in the world.

According to him, Indonesia’s position remains firm as it is supported by sound fiscal and monetary policies and a strong economic foundation.

“We are still doing well, meaning we are still considered to be maintaining sound fiscal and monetary policies and our strong economic foundation,” he said.

Furthermore, Purbaya emphasised that the depreciation of the rupiah’s exchange rate amid current global conflicts remains relatively better compared to peer countries.

This resilience of the rupiah is supported by Indonesia’s maintained fiscal and monetary conditions. According to Purbaya, the sentiment towards the rupiah stems from dollar strength that has strengthened since the Iran conflict.

“The rupiah depreciated 0.3 per cent, far better than our neighbouring countries Malaysia and Thailand,” he said.