Jakarta, en.SERU.co.id – The rupiah weakened further, hitting Rp17,602.95 against the US dollar and sparking worries about rising prices and squeezed purchasing power.
President Prabowo Subianto is asking everyone to keep calm. He pointed out that Finance Minister Purbaya Yudhi Sadewa is still smiling, and insisted the government is on top of things.
“As long as Purbaya can smile, just relax, no need to worry,” Prabowo said on Saturday (16/5/2026).
He emphasized that Indonesia’s economic fundamentals remain solid and the administration is working hard to maintain stability. According to Prabowo, most ordinary people — especially those in villages who transact in rupiah — won’t feel the direct impact of a stronger dollar. The ones who might feel the pressure are those who travel abroad frequently or do international business.
“Even if the dollar goes up to whatever, villagers don’t use dollars anyway. The ones getting headaches are those who often go overseas,” he added.
The president also assured the public that national food and energy stocks are in good shape, even as many countries face economic and geopolitical challenges. He urged Indonesians to keep faith in the strength of the economy.
Read Also:
Indonesia Strengthens Strategic Ties with US and Russia in Balancing Act
Still, economists are sounding a more cautious note. Nailul Huda from the Center of Economics and Law Studies (CELIOS) warned that the rupiah’s slide could trigger imported inflation in the coming months.
“Indonesia still relies on imports for many things — from industrial raw materials to everyday consumer goods. Higher import costs and distribution expenses will start pushing prices up, especially in two to three months,” Huda explained.
One sector already feeling the heat is plastics manufacturing, where rising raw material costs could eventually lead to higher prices for various products, including cooking oil.
In the end, the effects could ripple across all levels of society, from street food vendors frying gorengan to big business owners. (aan/mzm)
