Protest at Bank Indonesia Central Java: BEM SI Expresses Grief Over the 'Death' of the Rupiah

Dozens of students belonging to the Indonesian Student Executive Body Alliance (BEM SI) Central Java held a protest in front of the Bank Indonesia (BI) Central Java office in Semarang on Friday (5/6/2026). They voiced criticism regarding the weakening of the Rupiah, which has breached the Rp18,000 mark per US Dollar. During the demonstration, students displayed banners on the pavement reading “Deepest Condolences for the Death of the Rupiah” and “Rupiah is Dying.” Participants then took turns delivering orations.

“As of today, 5 June 2026, the Rupiah exchange rate has weakened to approximately Rp18,030. This is the weakest Rupiah exchange rate against the Dollar in Indonesia’s history,” stated Kevin Kurnia Priambodo, President of BEM Politeknik Negeri Semarang, during his speech. Kevin expressed anxiety regarding the current national economic condition, noting that this concern is shared by many Indonesians. “Our State Budget (APBN) continues to show a deficit as of today. For Indonesia, as a developing nation that still relies on imported products, the weakening of the Rupiah will further damage and weaken our national economy,” Kevin added.