Rupiah Nears Rp 17,200 per US Dollar as US-Iran Negotiations Take Centre Stage

JAKARTA, KOMPAS.com - The rupiah exchange rate in the spot market nearly touched Rp 17,200 per US dollar at the close of trading on Friday (17/4/2026). According to Bloomberg data, the Garuda currency weakened by 50 points or 0.29 percent to the level of Rp 17,188 per US dollar compared to the previous day’s close of Rp 17,138 per US dollar. Currency and commodity analyst Ibrahim Assuaibi assessed that global sentiment is beginning to show improvement in line with growing optimism that the conflict in the Middle East could soon subside. At the same time, US President Donald Trump stated that Washington and Teheran have the opportunity to continue peace talks over the weekend. “Optimism that the Middle East conflict may soon end after the 10-day ceasefire between Lebanon and Israel takes effect and President Donald Trump says the US and Iran may meet for talks over the weekend,” Ibrahim told reporters on Friday afternoon. Trump revealed that in discussions related to efforts to end the Iran conflict, which previously led to the closure of the Strait of Hormuz for seven weeks, Teheran is said to have offered a commitment not to develop nuclear weapons in the long term. Nevertheless, dynamics on the ground remain a challenge. Israel’s military campaign in Lebanon is seen as one of the main obstacles to achieving a comprehensive peace agreement. In fact, a Reuters report states that US and Iran negotiators are now more realistic, directing towards a temporary agreement to prevent further conflict escalation. Initial unemployment claims were recorded to have fallen to 207,000 for the week ending 11 April, lower than the expected 215,000 and also below the previous week’s figure of 218,000. However, other employment indicators, including JOLTS, show slowing recruitment activity and layoffs, reflecting a labour market condition that is starting to lose momentum. Meanwhile, US Federal Reserve (The Fed) officials continue to maintain a cautious policy stance.