Rupiah Slides to Rp 17,143 per US Dollar After IMF Cuts Economic Projection
JAKARTA, KOMPAS.com - The rupiah exchange rate in the spot market weakened at the close of trading on Wednesday (15/4/2026). The Garuda currency was down 16 points or 0.09 percent to the level of Rp 17,143 per US dollar.
The weakening of the Indonesian currency occurred amid rising geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, after the United States tightened pressure on Iran through a naval blockade.
That move is seen as potentially disrupting global energy distribution routes while adding pressure to the world economy.
In its official statement, the US military affirmed that it has halted all maritime trade activities entering and leaving Iran.
The policy was taken just two days after Washington initiated the naval blockade against Tehran, following the failure of ceasefire negotiations between the US and Iran that took place in Pakistan.
The move is aimed at increasing pressure so that Iran is willing to return to the negotiating table.
Iran had previously closed that route in response to tensions with the US and Israel.
“The naval blockade against Iran has the potential to increase disruptions in shipping in the Strait of Hormuz, especially if Tehran retaliates against that move with military force. Hormuz is the main focal point in the Iran war, with Tehran effectively blocking that channel in response to US-Israel hostilities at the end of February,” said Ibrahim to reporters on Wednesday afternoon.
The Strait of Hormuz itself supplies around 20 percent of the world’s oil needs, with several countries in the Asia-Pacific region heavily reliant on this route.
On the other hand, US President Donald Trump has several times expressed optimism about the chances of achieving a peace agreement, although he remains open to options for further pressure on Iran.
Despite the heating situation, the ceasefire between the two countries is reported to still be holding in a fragile condition.
There have been no reports of new attacks since the end of last weekend, while Washington continues to push for follow-up talks before the ceasefire period ends.