TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Members of Indonesia’s House of Representatives Commission XI questioned Bank Indonesia Governor Perry Warjiyo over the weakening rupiah during a hearing at the parliamentary complex in Jakarta on Monday, May 18, 2026.
The finance and banking commission raised concerns after the currency fell to a new low of above Rp17,600 per US dollar.
Harris Turino, a lawmaker from the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI-P), questioned the effectiveness of the central bank’s policy measures, noting that the rupiah continued to depreciate despite various interventions.
“All the instruments owned by Bank Indonesia have been used. But why does the rupiah continue to weaken?” he asked during the session.
Harris acknowledged that global pressures were a major factor behind the currency’s decline but said domestic issues were also contributing to the situation.
“This must be honestly acknowledged. There are problems in fiscal policy, issues in the current account deficit, significant capital outflows, and declining investor confidence in Indonesia’s economy,” he said.
During the session, lawmakers also offered policy suggestions. Eric Hermawan of the Golkar Party urged Bank Indonesia to consider raising its benchmark interest rate to stabilize the currency.
Meanwhile, Primus Yustisio of the National Mandate Party (PAN) went further, suggesting that Governor Perry step down from his position.
“Perhaps it is time for you to step down,” he said, arguing that resignation would not be dishonorable and could be viewed differently compared to practices in some neighboring countries.
By Monday afternoon, the rupiah stood at Rp17,659 per US dollar. The currency has remained near the 17,000 level since early April 2026 and has yet to show a sustained recovery.
Read: JCI Plunges 4% as Rupiah Falls to 17,672 Against US Dollar
Click here to get the latest news updates from Tempo on Google News
Prabowo Convenes Economic Chiefs as Rupiah Plunges
1 menit lalu
President Prabowo held a limited meeting with economic ministers and the Bank Indonesia Governor as rupiah weakened to its lowest level since 1998.
Lawmaker Suggests BI Governor Resign Over Rupiah Fall
44 menit lalu
PAN politician urges Bank Indonesia Governor Perry Warjiyo to step down from his position as the rupiah continues to weaken, reaching record lows.
JCI Plunges 4% as Rupiah Falls to 17,672 Against US Dollar
4 jam lalu
Alongside the stock market sell-off, the rupiah also weakened sharply on Monday.
Rupiah Weakens After Xi Jinping-Trump Talks Fail to Ease Iran Tensions
6 jam lalu
The rupiah exchange rate weakened 33 points, or 0.19 percent, to Rp17,630 per US dollar on Monday morning.
BEM UI Urges Prabowo to Stop Misleading Public on Economy
7 jam lalu
The criticism came after Prabowo reportedly said dollar exchange rate fluctuations have little impact on rural communities.
Prabowo Criticized Over Weak Rupiah Remarks
9 jam lalu
Several statements made by Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto in his speeches often trigger pros and cons.
Is Prabowo Right That Villagers Don't Use Dollars?
1 hari lalu
Economist Syafruddin Karimi responded to President Prabowo's claim that villagers do not use dollars as the rupiah weakens Rp 17,500 per US Dollar.
Today's Top 3 News: Prabowo Says Villagers Don't Use Dollars, Rupiah Could Hit Rp18,000 by May's End
1 hari lalu
Here is the list of the top 3 news on Tempo English today.
Rupiah Weakens; Prabowo: 'Villagers Don't Use US Dollars'
1 hari lalu
The exchange rate of the rupiah touched 17,600 per U.S. dollar on Friday, May 15, 2026.
Today's Top 3 News: Analyst Predicts Rupiah Could Breach Rp18,000 by End of May
1 hari lalu
Here is the list of the top 3 news on Tempo English today.
