Moment Prabowo Asked Purbaya: How is the Dollar?

JAKARTA — President Prabowo Subianto recently questioned the current situation regarding the US Dollar during a conversation with Finance Minister Purbaya Yudhi Sadewa. This moment was observed at the conclusion of a ceremony for the handover of several main weapons systems (alutsista) from the President to the TNI, held at Halim Perdanakusuma Air Force Base, Jakarta, on Monday (18/5/2026).

Following the event, President Prabowo and several officials, including Purbaya, gathered for a brief discussion. Shortly thereafter, the Head of State was heard asking about the dollar to Purbaya. “How is the dollar?” Prabowo asked with a laugh. “I want to go on the Hajj pilgrimage, Sir,” the President added.

During this moment, Purbaya’s response was not clearly audible to the media present at the location. Alongside Prabowo and Purbaya, several other officials were present, including Foreign Minister Sugiono, State Secretary Prasetyo Hadi, Coordinating Minister for Politics and Security Djamari Chaniago, and TNI Commander General Agus Subiyanto. Also participating in the conversation were the Chairman of Commission I of the DPR, Utut Adianto, along with Vice Chairmen Budi Djiwandono and Anton Sukartono.

On Friday (15/5/2026), the dollar exchange rate touched Rp 17,600. When the rate reached Rp 17,424 on 5 May 2026, Bank Indonesia (BI) prepared seven measures to strengthen the Rupiah’s value. These steps include direct intervention in the foreign exchange market (both domestically and abroad), attracting foreign capital inflows through financial instruments such as BI Rupiah Securities, and purchasing government securities (SBN) to maintain market stability.

While inaugurating ,1061 Merah Putih Village/Sub-district Cooperatives on Saturday (16/5/2026), President Prabowo Subianto stated that the public does not need to worry about the weakening of the Rupiah as long as Finance Minister Purbaya Yudhi Sadewa continues to smile. Prabowo claimed that Indonesia possesses a strong economy and robust fundamentals, and that the public must have faith in this.

“Believe that our economy is strong, our fundamentals are strong. Regardless of what people say, Indonesia is strong. Have faith in our strength. Have faith in our people. All leaders must work for the people,” he said.