Rupiah Weakness Persists Ahead of BI Rate Decision

2026-03-17 04:48 By Farida Husna 1 min. read

The Indonesian rupiah edged closer to IDR 17,000 per dollar on Tuesday, declining for a sixth session as the U.S.

dollar stayed firm amid elevated global energy prices before the Fed’s policy decision.

Indonesia remains vulnerable to higher energy costs as a net oil and gas importer, though authorities have pledged to keep subsidized fuel prices unchanged through the Eid holiday.

Persistently high oil prices, however, could force adjustments later.

Inflation in February hit a near three-year high of 4.76%, above Bank Indonesia’s target, driven largely by base effects from last year’s electricity tariff discounts.

The central bank is set to announce its policy decision later today, with markets expecting a sixth consecutive rate hold.

Still, speculation over further easing lingers after a total of 150bps of cuts since September 2024, aimed at supporting growth following disruptions in Sumatra.

The economy grew 5.11% in 2025, below the 5.2% target, with 2026 growth projected at 5.4%.



News Stream
Rupiah Holds Near IDR 17,810 as BI Meeting Looms
The Indonesian rupiah was little changed on Monday, hovering near IDR 17,810 per U.S. dollar after a seven-session losing streak, as traders positioned for Bank Indonesia’s policy decision this week. The central bank will begin its two-day meeting Tuesday, after leaving key rates unchanged at 5.75% for a second straight month in August following 100bps of hikes since May. Governor Destry Damayanti recently underscored currency stability as her priority alongside monetary, macroprudential and payment-system measures. Meanwhile, softer oil prices, aided by diplomatic efforts in the Middle East, eased imported inflation concerns, though domestic pressures persisted after August’s annual inflation quickened to 3.19%. Fiscal risks also lingered as lawmakers reportedly debated revising the 3% deficit cap to allow more welfare and development spending. Globally, the dollar index held near 100.2 as investors looked to remarks from Fed officials this week for signals on the policy outlook.
2026-09-21
Rupiah Rises But Set for First Weekly Decline in 7 Weeks
The Indonesian rupiah edged higher to below IDR 17,750 per U.S. dollar on Friday, snapping a six-session losing streak as oil prices retreated further, easing concerns over imported inflation. Meanwhile, policymakers continued their efforts to contain food-price volatility after headline inflation accelerated to 3.19% in August. Globally, the dollar index steadied after reaching a seven-week high, with traders assessing the Federal Reserve’s policy outlook following its latest rate decision. For the week, however, the rupiah remains on track for a decline of around 0.7%, which would halt a six-week winning streak. Sentiment was pressured by an uncertain policy outlook, as Bank Indonesia seeks to maintain an adequate interest-rate differential with the U.S. while supporting rupiah stability and economic growth. The central bank will hold its policy meeting next week after leaving borrowing costs unchanged for a second straight month in August.
2026-09-18
Rupiah Falls for Sixth Session After Fed Rate Hike
The Indonesian rupiah slipped toward IDR 17,750 per U.S. dollar on Thursday, extending its losing streak to six sessions as the dollar index climbed to a seven-week high after the U.S. Fed raised rates for the first time in three years and signaled it might tighten further this year to curb sticky inflation. Locally, attention turned to Bank Indonesia’s policy meeting next week, with policymakers having kept the key rate unchanged at 5.75% for a second straight month in August, following cumulative tightening of 100bp since May. Inflation risks from higher oil prices and potential El Niño effects are complicating the policy outlook, as the central bank seeks to preserve an adequate interest-rate differential while supporting rupiah stability and economic growth. Meanwhile, fiscal pressures may persist as elevated global yields and cautious investor sentiment weigh on Indonesian assets. So far this week, the rupiah has dipped around 0.8%, reversing gains in the previous six weeks.
2026-09-17