Rupiah Exchange Rate Nears Rp17,800, Finance Minister Purbaya Says 'I'm Stressed'

JAKARTA - The rupiah exchange rate neared Rp17,800 per US dollar at the close of the spot market on Tuesday, 26 May 2026. Finance Minister Purbaya Yudhi Sadewa stated that, given the strong economic fundamentals, such a situation should not occur. Currency values typically weaken when there are disruptions to a country’s economic fundamentals. However, the rupiah exchange rate assumption has already been factored into the simulation of global oil prices at $100 per barrel. “So there’s no problem; I don’t need to recalculate the national budget,” he said. Purbaya noted that despite the rupiah’s depreciation, bond yields have decreased. “As long as the bond market remains stable, the ability of both foreign and domestic investors to invest in our bonds will be maintained,” he added. He also reported observing foreign capital inflows into Indonesia’s bond market. Furthermore, the government continues to strive to strengthen the rupiah’s value. According to data, the rupiah depreciated by 53 points or 0.29 percent to Rp17,796 per US dollar. Currency and commodities analyst Ibrahim Assuaibi attributed the market concerns to renewed geopolitical tensions between the US and Iran.