Rupiah Continues Under Pressure, US Dollar Now Hits Rp17,130

Jakarta, CNBC Indonesia - The rupiah exchange rate continued its weakening trend against the US dollar, closing in the red zone during Wednesday’s trading (15/4/2026). According to Refinitiv data, the Garuda currency closed down 0.12% at Rp17,130 per US dollar. This level marks the rupiah’s all-time weakest position. The weakening also extends the negative trend for the rupiah to five consecutive trading days. However, at the morning opening, the rupiah initially strengthened by 0.06% to Rp17,100 per US dollar. As trading progressed, the rupiah reversed course into the red zone and closed weaker. On the other hand, the US dollar index (DXY), which measures the greenback’s strength against major world currencies, was observed to strengthen slightly by 0.04% to 98.159 at 3:00 PM WIB. The rupiah’s movement today aligns with the US dollar’s tendency to stabilise after hitting a six-week low in the previous session. Previously, the US dollar was pressured by reduced demand for safe-haven assets and falling oil prices, amid hopes for the resumption of peace negotiations between the US and Iran. That sentiment improved somewhat after US President Donald Trump stated that the war is nearing an end and Iran wants to reach an agreement. However, uncertainty remains high. Several reports indicate that the US Navy has intercepted eight oil tankers entering or leaving Iranian ports since the blockade began earlier this week. This situation has market participants still awaiting more concrete developments regarding peace prospects. Domestically, Bank Indonesia (BI) reported that Indonesia’s External Debt position in February 2026 remained stable. The External Debt position was recorded at US$437.9 billion, up from the previous month’s US$434.9 billion. On an annual basis, Indonesia’s External Debt grew by 2.5% (year-on-year/yoy) in February 2026, higher than the previous month’s growth of 1.7% yoy. “The increase in the External Debt position was mainly driven by public sector debt, particularly the central bank, in line with foreign capital inflows into monetary instruments, namely Bank Indonesia Rupiah Securities (SRBI). Meanwhile, private sector debt experienced a decline,” said BI’s Head of Communication Department Anton Pitono in a BI release on Wednesday (15/4/2026). Amid global geopolitical pressures, the rupiah actually receives support from positive views on Indonesia’s economic resilience. Coordinating Minister for the Economy Airlangga Hartarto stated that Indonesia’s economy continues to receive recognition from global market players and multilateral institutions. One such recognition comes from the Asian Development Bank (ADB), which projects Indonesia’s economy to grow steadily at 5.2% in 2026 and 2027, higher than the 5.1% realisation in 2025. This projection is outlined in the Asian Development Outlook April 2026: The Middle East Conflict Challenges Resilience in Asia and the Pacific report.