Rupiah Weakens, Prabowo Confident in Indonesia's Strong Economic Fundamentals

Confident that our economy is strong, our fundamentals are strong. Indonesia is strong. Believe in our strength, believe in our people. All leaders must work for the people.

Jakarta (ANTARA) - President Prabowo Subianto has assured that Indonesia’s economic fundamentals remain strong despite the Rupiah exchange rate weakening against the US dollar in recent weeks.

“Confident that our economy is strong, our fundamentals are strong. Indonesia is strong. Believe in our strength, believe in our people. All leaders must work for the people,” said Prabowo during his speech at the launch of 1,061 branches of the Merah Putih Village/Urban Cooperative (KDKMP) in Nganjuk Regency, East Java, Saturday.

In front of a number of state officials and directors of SOEs, the President invited the public not to be too concerned about the weakening Rupiah, which on Friday (May 15) was at the level of IDR 17,600 per US dollar.

“Purbaya is very popular now. As long as Purbaya can smile, just stay calm, there’s no need to worry. No matter how many thousands of dollars it is, you in the village don’t use dollars. Those who are worried are those who like to go abroad,” said Prabowo, greeted by laughter from the audience, while mentioning Finance Minister Purbaya Yudhi Sadewa.

“Ah, Anin, you can be worried. You are the chairman of entrepreneurs, Kadin,” said Prabowo while mentioning the General Chairman of the Indonesian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Kadin) Indonesia, Anindya Novyan Bakrie.

“We must eliminate the attitude that we are a weak nation, a losing nation. We must become a winning nation, and we will win, we will be strong. We will rise, brothers and sisters!,” said Prabowo.