Rupiah Closes Weaker at 17,180 to the US Dollar
The rupiah exchange rate closed at 17,180 per US dollar on Wednesday, 22 April 2026, weakening by 38 points compared to the previous trading day’s close. The rupiah’s decline accompanied Bank Indonesia’s decision to hold the benchmark interest rate, or BI Rate, at 4.75 percent.
Bank Indonesia’s Jakarta Interbank Spot Dollar Rate (Jisdor) data showed the rupiah at 17,179 per US dollar today. The dollar’s value has remained consistently at the 17,000 level since the beginning of this month.
Today’s rupiah weakening occurred alongside the strengthening of the US dollar. Director of PT Traze Andalan Futures, Ibrahim Assuabi, stated that external sentiments affecting the exchange rate movement include US President Donald Trump’s statement on extending the ceasefire with Iran indefinitely.
“Trump also said the US Navy will maintain the blockade of Iranian ports and coasts, which Iranian leaders have called an act of war,” he said in a written statement on Wednesday, 22 April 2026.
This unilateral move has not yet received approval from Iran or Israel. Iran, through media affiliated with the Revolutionary Guard, rejected the extension and threatened to break the US blockade with violence. The ongoing blockade in the Strait of Hormuz trade route is also causing supply chain disruptions.
Another external sentiment influencing the situation is global monetary policy, particularly regarding plans to replace the US Federal Reserve (The Fed) chair. Kevin Warsh, Trump’s proposed candidate, stated he would maintain The Fed’s independence. However, he also hinted at major policy overhauls at the central bank if elected.
On the domestic side, sentiments affecting the market include fiscal pressures amid debt burdens. Additionally, it is influenced by Bank Indonesia’s policy to again hold the benchmark interest rate at 4.75 percent. BI also maintained the Deposit Facility rate at 3.75 percent and the Lending Facility rate at 5.5 percent.
Quoting an official statement, Bank Indonesia Governor Perry Warjiyo said this decision remains consistent with efforts to enhance the effectiveness of adjusting the interest rate structure of monetary operation instruments. This is particularly aimed at strengthening the stabilisation of the rupiah’s value against the worsening impact of the global economic situation due to the war in the Middle East.