Rupiah Closes Stronger This Afternoon, Reaching Rp 17,475 per US Dollar

JAKARTA, KOMPAS.com - The rupiah exchange rate in the spot market closed stronger in trading on Wednesday (13/5/2026). The rupiah rose 53 points or 0.30 percent to the level of Rp 17,475 per United States (US) dollar. Although the rupiah strengthened, global pressures are still considered high due to the heating up of geopolitical conflicts in the Middle East. Currency and Commodities Analyst Ibrahim Assuaibi said global markets remain fragile after US President Donald Trump stated that negotiations with Iran are in a critical condition. That statement came after Iran rejected a US-backed proposal to end the conflict and reopen the Strait of Hormuz. “The prolonged conflict has disrupted shipments through the Strait of Hormuz, the main global oil transit route, which has triggered concerns about sustained inflation due to rising energy prices and complicates interest rate prospects,” Ibrahim told reporters. The market is now also focusing on the agenda of the Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping meeting in Beijing on 14 to 15 May 2026. That meeting is expected to discuss several strategic issues, from trade wars, the Iran conflict, Taiwan, to global supply chains. According to Ibrahim, the chances of reaching a peace agreement remain slim. Iran is also said to be tightening its control over the Strait of Hormuz. That situation is beginning to impact the US economy. Rising oil prices are also driving up fuel prices and inflationary pressures. US inflation data shows consumer prices rose 0.6 percent in April 2026. The annual inflation or consumer price index (CPI) reached 3.8 percent, the highest since mid-2023. Core inflation was also recorded above market expectations. “The market is now awaiting US producer price index data to be released on Wednesday for further clues regarding inflationary pressures and the direction of Federal Reserve policy,” said Ibrahim. From domestically, Ibrahim highlighted the Indonesian government’s debt position approaching Rp 10,000 trillion.