US Dollar in Demand as Rupiah Weakens, Money Changers Confirm Adequate Stock

JAKARTA - Several foreign exchange businesses (KUPVA) and money changers in Jakarta have confirmed ample US dollar supplies despite rising demand as the rupiah weakens towards Rp18,000 per dollar.

Aris, staff at PT Daffa Indo Valuta, said US dollar transaction trends have increased over the past week due to the US currency’s strength against the rupiah and the upcoming holiday season. Most transactions involve customers selling dollars to capitalise on the rupiah’s depreciation over recent months.

“For the past week, traffic has surged because the dollar’s value has risen. More people are selling,” Aris told Kompas.com on Friday, 29 May 2026.

However, Aris noted some customers are holding onto their dollars, anticipating further rupiah depreciation to Rp18,000 per dollar in the near term.

The rupiah fell 136 points against the US dollar over the past week, closing at Rp17,744 on Monday, 25 May 2026, and Rp17,880 on Friday, 29 May 2026.

“Some investors who hold dollars are still holding on, expecting a potential rise. They’re waiting until it reaches Rp18,000,” he added.

Despite increased demand, Aris assured that US dollar stocks at his money changer remain secure and plentiful.

“The US dollar stock here is always available. It’s safe and abundant, not scarce,” he said.

Lucky, branch head of Dolarindo, also confirmed high selling trends as customers convert their foreign currency to rupiah to capitalise on the rising exchange rate.

“The demand for dollar sales is very high. Customers are selling their dollars to money changers,” Lucky said during an interview at his Jakarta office on Friday.

He added that some dollar holders are still holding their currency, expecting further appreciation against the rupiah.

“Even though today’s rate has risen, they still assume the USD could reach around Rp17,900 when converting to rupiah. There’s still a lot of speculation about the dollar’s appreciation against the rupiah,” he said.