Rupiah Exchange Rate Breaks Through Rp17,252 per US Dollar
SUARA NEGERI | JAKARTA — The Rupiah exchange rate, which briefly broke through Rp17,252 per US dollar, has drawn serious attention.
This situation is considered a warning signal for national economic stability, particularly because it has the potential to depress public purchasing power.
Bertu Merlas, a member of Commission XI of the Indonesian House of Representatives (DPR RI) from the National Awakening Party (PKB) faction, urged the government to take immediate concrete steps to mitigate the impact of the Rupiah's depreciation and anticipate a spike in inflation.
"The current condition of the Rupiah should be a wake-up call for the government. This depreciation has a direct impact on the price of imported goods and production costs. If prices rise while people's incomes stagnate, purchasing power will decline," Bertu told reporters in Jakarta on Saturday, April 25, 2026.
He explained that the Rupiah's depreciation has the potential to cause a domino effect, especially for industries dependent on imported raw materials. If the increase in production costs is not addressed immediately, it will ultimately be passed on to consumers through price increases.
He believes this situation risks directly eroding public welfare, particularly for low-income groups. Therefore, the government is urged not to allow inflation to soar uncontrollably.
"Without intervention to stabilize the prices of basic necessities, the risk of socioeconomic instability will increase," he stressed.
On the other hand, Bertu also highlighted the dilemma of monetary policy. The central bank's efforts to stem the weakening of the Rupiah by raising the benchmark interest rate are considered to have an impact on the real sector, especially MSMEs.
"If interest rates increase, access to financing for MSMEs will become increasingly difficult. This could hamper business expansion and employment," he explained.
To maintain economic stability, Bertu encouraged the government to take three strategic steps.
First, strengthen market operations and ensure the smooth distribution of basic necessities to suppress price spikes.
Second, ensure that social assistance is well-targeted so that vulnerable groups maintain purchasing power.
Third, provide easy access to financing and fiscal incentives for MSMEs to remain productive amid exchange rate pressures.
"Controlling inflation is key. The government must ensure secure supplies and stable prices. Social assistance must also truly reach those in need," he concluded. (rsa)
