Villagers Don't Use Dollars, Prabowo Not Worried About Rupiah Weakening

JAKARTA, DDTCNews - President Prabowo Subianto has asked the public not to worry about the recent weakening of the rupiah against the US dollar.

During the inauguration of 1,061 Merah Putih village cooperatives, Prabowo stated that the depreciation of the rupiah against the dollar does not have a significant impact on rural communities.

“As long as Purbaya (Finance Minister Purbaya Yudhi Sadewa) can smile and remain calm, there is no need for you to worry. Even if the dollar reaches thousands [of rupiah], it won’t matter because you in the villages don’t use dollars,” Prabowo said, quoted on Sunday (17/5/2026).

Prabowo also stated that Indonesia now has a strong economy and abundant food and energy reserves. He claims that Indonesia is actually in a safer position compared to other countries.

“Food is secure, energy is secure. Many countries are panicking, but Indonesia is still doing okay. We have been given many blessings by the Almighty,” Prabowo said.

Prabowo also stated that Indonesia’s resilience is evident from its ability to meet domestic fertilizer needs while many other countries struggle due to Iran’s blockade of the Strait of Hormuz.

Now, many countries are asking Indonesia for fertilizers. “We are not euphoric, we are not arrogant, but we are now in a position where we can provide assistance. Australia has asked us for help; we sell 500,000 tons of urea to Australia. The Philippines and India have also asked us, as well as Bangladesh and Brazil. My instruction is to help everyone,” Prabowo said.

Furthermore, Prabowo claims that many countries are now asking Indonesia for rice. This is because the government is working to achieve food self-sufficiency.

For information, the rupiah exchange rate was recorded at Rp17,600 per US dollar on Saturday (16/5/2026). The rupiah exchange rate has passed Rp17,000 per US dollar since last month. (dik)