As reported by Bloomberg, on Wednesday (January 14, 2026) afternoon WIB, the rupiah was observed to have weakened to Rp 16,863 per US dollar. In recent weeks, the Indonesian currency has been under constant pressure.

Purbaya stated that the rupiah issue is ultimately the responsibility of the Central Bank, Bank Indonesia (BI). However, from a fiscal perspective, he believes the rupiah could strengthen as the economy improves.

The rupiah is the Central Banks responsibility. But if the economy improves, the rupiah should also strengthen, almost automatically. Why? Because Asian capital owners will invest in places or countries that promise higher growth, Purbaya told reporters in the Kuningan area of ??South Jakarta on Wednesday (January 14, 2026).

In the fourth quarter of 2025, Purbaya predicts that Indonesias economic growth will reach around 5.45 percent. He is also optimistic that in 2026, the economy will grow even higher, reaching 6 percent. This positive economic growth is believed to lead to an improvement in the rupiah exchange rate.

This year, we might be able to grow towards 6 percent. We will push it in that direction. So, theres no need to be afraid. Our foundation is strong. The rupiah will strengthen because capital will come here, and Indonesians who channel their money abroad will also return. Why? Because Indonesians cant do business abroad; theyre not used to healthy competition there, explained Purbaya.

Based on his thinking, the improving economic conditions, indicated by the large amount of foreign capital entering the country, will strengthen the rupiah exchange rate. Purbaya predicts that in a matter of days, the rupiah will avoid the Rp 17,000 per US dollar level. The rupiah has strengthened in the past two weeks, said the former chairman of the Deposit Insurance Corporation (LPS).

Source : ekonomi.republika.co.id

Jan 17th, 2026