The Cry of Jakarta Workers as Rupiah Hits Rp17,855 per US Dollar: Rising Food Costs and Stagnant Wages

Jakarta, VIVA – Rows of eateries in Jakarta’s office districts appeared busy during lunch hour, with a common topic emerging among workers seeking respite: the weakening exchange rate of the Rupiah, which has touched Rp17,855 per US Dollar, on Tuesday (2/6/2026).

Although many admit they do not understand the intricate details of foreign exchange market movements, the impact is felt directly in daily life. Prices for food, household necessities, and even transportation costs have reportedly been creeping up over recent months.

Rudi (34), a private administrative employee in Central Jakarta, admitted that his lunch expenses are now higher compared to last year. “Previously, Rp20,000 could get you rice, chicken, and iced tea. Now, for the same menu, it can cost between Rp25,000 to Rp30,000. It might not feel immediate because of the Rupiah, but ultimately, the prices of all goods rise,” he said when met at a simple eatery.

Despite the increasingly challenging economic conditions, workers hope the government can maintain the stability of basic commodity prices and the Rupiah exchange rate so that public purchasing power is not further eroded. “For us, the important thing is that prices do not continue to rise. What we feel most is not the dollar figure on the news, but the rising cost of lunch and daily shopping,” said Rudi.

A similar situation is experienced by Nita (29), a retail worker who chooses to bring packed meals from home to save on expenses. “I cook for myself more often now. Buying lunch every day is quite heavy on the pocket. Monthly groceries have also increased, especially cooking oil, eggs, and other kitchen essentials. So, eating in a canteen like this is only occasional,” she remarked.

For some workers, the concern extends beyond the rising cost of basic necessities. The weakening of the Rupiah has also sparked anxiety regarding the stability of the companies they work for. Andri (41), an employee at a manufacturing firm, admitted to feeling uneasy because many production raw materials are still dependent on imports. “If the dollar continues to rise, company production costs will certainly follow. What we fear is not just the price of goods, but that companies might start reducing operational costs or even implement staff reductions,” he noted.