Ideal exchange rate?

Ideal exchange rate?

From Kompas

As a layman, I really cannot understand the
statement/expectation of Coordinating Minister of Economy,
Finance and Industry Ginandjar Kartasasmita that the exchange
rate of US$1 against our rupiah stands at between 7,000 and
8,000. This is really a naive statement to be made by an
economist. Whatever the reasons put forward by those having a lot
of money, I, as one of the common people, really hope to see the
rupiah exchange rate strengthen to the previous level of 2,500.

I suggest that the government should first save the majority
of the people and should not make a decision only to save a
handful of people. The government must imitate other Asian
governments in protecting the people from the onslaught of
foreign currencies.

Ginandjar's statement that a strengthened rupiah value will
not make our exports competitive abroad should not have been made
by an economist. The competitiveness of a product on the market
will depend on the efficiency in the process of production. In
fact, our products are competitive from the point of view of
wages. This competitiveness may be enhanced if red tape can be
minimized. Let's pray for our currency and hope that it will
attain the best value in the interest of the whole nation.

ISHAK

Jakarta