US Dollar Strengthens, Increasing Remittances for Migrant Workers as Rupiah Weakens

The strengthening of foreign exchange rates against the Rupiah is providing a breath of fresh air for Indonesian migrant workers (PMI). This is because the money they send home to their families carries a higher value when converted into Rupiah.

This is the case for Tunjinah, a 30-year-old migrant worker from Tinumpuk Village, Indramayu Regency, who works in Hong Kong. She routinely sends 1,500 Hong Kong dollars per month to meet her family’s needs in her home village.

“I usually send 1,500 Hong Kong dollars; previously, it was worth around Rp 3 million. Now, because the exchange rate of the Hong Kong dollar against the Rupiah has risen, the money my family receives is now more than Rp 3 million,” Tunjinah said when met in her home village on Monday (25/5/2026).

Tunjinah has been working in Hong Kong for four years. She is currently on leave and has returned to her village to spend time with her family. She noted that the increase in the Hong Kong dollar exchange rate provides a substantial supplement for her family, covering both daily necessities and her children’s education.

In addition to increasing the value of remittances, the strengthening of the Hong Kong dollar has also increased the value of her monthly salary when converted to Rupiah. She currently receives a monthly salary of 4,870 Hong Kong dollars.

“When converted to Rupiah, it was worth about Rp 9 million per month. Since the dollar rose, the value is now approximately Rp 11 million per month,” she added.