President Prabowo's 'Villagers Do Not Use Dollars' Remark Reflects Strong Economic Fundamentals

Kamrussamad, a member of the XI Commission of the House of Representatives from the Gerindra faction, has responded to President Prabowo Subianto’s speech stating that ‘villagers do not use US dollars’ amidst the weakening of the rupiah. Kamrussamad believes this statement accurately reflects the strength of Indonesia’s economic fundamentals.

“President Prabowo Subianto’s statement that rural people do not use US dollars is an appropriate sentiment amidst the dynamics of the US dollar strengthening against several world currencies, including the rupiah,” said Kamrussamad in a statement on Monday (18/05/2026).

Kamrussamad noted that President Prabowo intended to emphasise that the strengthening of the US dollar will not have a significant impact on the Indonesian people’s economy because the nation possesses robust economic foundations. He added that the President is strengthening the economy through a healthy trade balance, where exports consistently exceed imports.

To enhance export competitiveness, Kamrussamad stated that over the last 18 months, President Prabowo has fought for and signed trade agreements beneficial to Indonesian exporters, including the EU CEPA, as well as deals with Peru, the United States, Canada, Eurasia, and other regions. Furthermore, he noted that under the current administration, Indonesia has accelerated food and energy self-sufficiency, achieving autonomy in commodities such as rice, corn, sugar, various chillies, poultry, eggs, and shallots.

Looking ahead, the official noted that Indonesia is working towards self-sufficiency in diesel through the B50 programme and 100 GW of solar power, as well as petrol self-sufficiency through electrification, refinery upgrades (RDMP), and new well exploration. Plans for gas self-sufficiency via DME and CNG utilisation are also underway.

President Prabowo previously addressed the depreciation of the rupiah against the US dollar, which has breached the Rp 17,500 mark. He stated that the exchange rate remains under control, noting that Finance Minister Purbaya Yudhi Sadewa remains optimistic. “Purbaya is very popular right now. As long as Purbaya can smile, do not worry. No matter how many thousands the dollar reaches, you in the villages do not use dollars,” Prabowo said during the inauguration of 1,062 Kopdes Merah Putih, as reported via the Presidential Secretariat’s YouTube broadcast on Saturday (16/05).