Why BI Limits US Dollar Purchases to USD 50,000

Bank Indonesia (BI) has lowered the limit for purchasing US dollars in the domestic market without supporting documents or underlying from the previous US$100,000 to US$50,000 per person each month. This was stated by BI Governor Perry Warjiyo following a meeting with President Prabowo and the Financial System Stability Committee (KSSK) at Merdeka Palace in Jakarta on Tuesday, 5 May 2026.

This step is part of efforts to stabilise the rupiah exchange rate amid global pressures. The reduction in the limit was carried out through coordination with KSSK.

Perry explained that the restriction aims to dampen speculative activities in the domestic foreign exchange market. Bank Indonesia also plans to tighten the rules further to strengthen the sovereignty of the rupiah.

“We are preparing, we will lower it again to US$25,000. So purchases of US dollars above US$25,000 must use underlying,” said Perry, as quoted from Antara.

Underlying refers to supporting transaction documents, such as import documents or service payments, which show that the dollar purchase is based on real economic needs and not for speculative purposes.

To ensure this regulation runs effectively, the central bank is also increasing supervision of corporations and banking. BI monitors banks that routinely have high dollar purchase activities.

In its implementation, BI coordinates with the Financial Services Authority (OJK) to maintain national financial system stability. Supervisors are sent directly to related institutions to ensure compliance with the transaction limits.

Furthermore, Perry emphasised that strengthening supervision is very important to prevent exchange rate fluctuations due to demand not based on real economic activities.

At the close of trading on Tuesday, the rupiah exchange rate was recorded weakening by 30 points or 0.17 percent to Rp 17,424 per US dollar compared to the previous level of Rp 17,394 per US dollar.