Rupiah Opens Slightly Weaker as US Dollar Rises to Rp16,940

Jakarta — Entering the first trading session of the week on Monday 16 March 2026, which was shortened, the rupiah opened slightly weaker against the US dollar.

According to Refinitiv data, the rupiah weakened marginally by 0.03% to Rp16,940 per US dollar at the opening of morning trading. This decline continued pressure from the previous trading session on Friday 13 March 2026, when the rupiah closed down approximately 0.30% at Rp16,935 per US dollar.

Meanwhile, the US dollar index (DXY) was trading in negative territory at 09:00 WIB, declining 0.10% to 100.258. However, at the close of the previous trading session, the DXY had recorded substantial gains of 0.62% to 100.362.

Rupiah movements in the first trading session of the week remain heavily influenced by external sentiment, particularly the strength of the US dollar in global markets.

Throughout the previous week, the US dollar recorded its best weekly gain since September 2024 with an increase of approximately 1.7%. This strengthening occurred alongside increased demand for safe-haven assets amid conflict in the Middle East and persistently high energy prices.

Market participants continue to monitor escalation risks, particularly regarding potential disruptions to global energy trade routes. Market concerns have intensified following reports of attacks on vessels in the region and potential disruptions to the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s vital oil distribution corridors.

Entering the third week of the conflict, the market has not yet observed significant signs of tensions easing. Concerns have instead mounted as the conflict is perceived to have potential for widening and becoming difficult to contain.

At the same time, efforts by several US allies in the Middle East to push diplomatic channels have reportedly not received positive responses from the Trump administration. This situation has further added to uncertainty in global financial markets.

The strengthening of the US dollar, as reflected in the movement of the dollar index against six major world currencies, demonstrates that investors are still pursuing the greenback. This situation ultimately narrows the appreciation room for other currencies, including the rupiah.