Prabowo Jests About the Dollar, Mentioning Purbaya and Titiek Soeharto

Prabowo Jests About the Dollar, Mentioning Purbaya and Titiek Soeharto

Jakarta, CNBC Indonesia — President Prabowo Subianto made a joke regarding the strengthening of the US dollar and the weakening of the rupiah. During the inauguration of 1,601 Merah Putih Cooperatives, Prabowo asked the public not to be too concerned about the movement of the dollar exchange rate. He even mentioned the Minister of Finance, Purbaya Yudhi Sadewa, as an indicator of the economic condition.

“Purbaya is very popular now. As long as Purbaya can smile, just stay calm and don’t worry. Even if the dollar reaches thousands, you in the villages don’t use dollars,” Prabowo said, quoted from a YouTube broadcast by the Presidential Secretariat, Sunday (17/5/2026).

Prabowo then joked that those most affected by the increase in the dollar were those who often travel abroad. He also teased several officials and entrepreneurs present at the event.

The Chair of Commission IV of the DPR RI, Siti Hediati Hariyadi, was also mentioned by Prabowo in the joke. He also alluded to the Minister of Maritime Affairs and Fisheries, Sakti Wahyu Trenggono, and the Minister of Investment and Downstreaming, Rosan Roeslani.

“Those who are concerned are those who like to travel abroad. Come on, who is it? Mbak Titiek is worried about this. A minister but also an entrepreneur, let’s see. Trenggono, ah, Trenggono?” Prabowo said jokingly.

On the other hand, Prabowo affirmed that Indonesia’s economic fundamentals remain stable amid global uncertainty. He said that the national food and energy sectors are still in good condition.

He also asked the public not to panic too much about fluctuations in the rupiah exchange rate against the US dollar because the majority of people in rural areas do not use dollars in their daily activities.

“Food is secure, energy is secure. Many countries are panicking, but Indonesia is still okay,” said Prabowo.