Perbanas Requests Review of New DHE Foreign Exchange Placement Rules

Potential Impacts on Private Banks' Liquidity and Investor Perception

The Indonesian National Bank Association (Perbanas) has requested a review of the new rules on the placement of foreign exchange exports (DHE) in state-owned banks (Himbara), citing potential significant impacts on private banks' liquidity and investor perception ¹

. The new rules, set to take effect on January 1, 2026, require DHE to be placed in Himbara banks, whereas previously they could also be placed in private banks with foreign exchange services.

Background and Rationale

According to Lani Darmawan, Vice Chairman of Perbanas and President Director of Bank CIMB Niaga, the new rules aim to facilitate easier control of export funds to prevent them from flowing out of the country too quickly ¹

. However, Darmawan suggests that there may be alternative measures to achieve this goal without requiring DHE to be placed in Himbara, which could disrupt the liquidity of foreign exchange in private banks.

Perbanas' Stance and Next Steps

Perbanas, along with other banking associations such as the International Banks Association (Perbina), is preparing a study on the impact of the new rules to be submitted to the Financial Services Authority (OJK) ¹

. This move indicates the banking sector's concern about the potential consequences of the new regulations on their operations and the overall financial system.