Rupiah Weakens, President Says: As Long as Minister Purbaya Can Smile, There's No Need to Worry

REPUBLIKA.CO.ID, NGANJUK – The weakening of the Rupiah exchange rate, which has fallen to Rp 17,600 per US dollar, has drawn the attention of the President of Indonesia. He has urged the public not to panic in the face of the Rupiah’s decline.

According to the President, Indonesia’s economy remains stable despite the declining Rupiah exchange rate. The President looks to Finance Minister Purbaya Yudhi Sadewa as an indicator of the national economy.

President Prabowo Subianto stated that if Minister Purbaya remains calm, the public does not need to panic about the Rupiah’s exchange rate against the US dollar.

“Purbaya is very popular right now. As long as Purbaya can smile, just stay calm and don’t worry. Even if the dollar reaches thousands, you in the villages don’t use dollars,” Prabowo said during a speech at the operational launch of 1,061 Merah Putih Village/Urban Cooperatives in Nganjuk Regency, East Java, on Saturday (16/5/2026).

Prabowo’s statement immediately caused Purbaya, who was sitting in the front row of the Merah Putih Cabinet, to stand up and clasp his hands together. Prabowo delivered the statement with a touch of humour.

He emphasised that the public, especially those living in villages, does not need to worry too much about the US dollar exchange rate. However, Prabowo stressed the importance of maintaining the foundations of the national economy, including through strengthening village cooperatives, the food sector, and support from various ministries and local governments.

According to Prabowo, through the Village/Urban Cooperatives, villages will have the ability to manage their own potential and meet the needs of their communities. “With these cooperatives, I believe our growth will be real and we will progress. Each village will no longer depend on others; it will have its own strength,” he said.