Rupiah Weakens as Global Uncertainties Mount

Currency Market Dynamics

The Indonesian rupiah opened weaker against the US dollar on Tuesday, reaching Rp16,874, a decline of 0.11% or 19 points ¹

. This movement was influenced by several global factors, including the escalating geopolitical tensions between Iran and the United States, which has led to increased risk aversion in financial markets. Additionally, political uncertainty in Washington, particularly after the US Department of Justice threatened The Fed with potential criminal charges, further contributed to the rupiah's depreciation. Economist Ibrahim Assuaibi noted that this development has reignited concerns about the independence of central banks ¹

Source 1

https://finansial.bisnis.com/read/20260113/90/1943818/rupiah-lesu-cek-kurs-dolar-as-di-bmri-bni-bri-dan-bca-hari-ini

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Regional Currency Trends

The weakening of the rupiah was not an isolated incident, as most Asian currencies also depreciated against the US dollar. The Japanese yen fell 0.22%, while the South Korean won declined 0.31%. The Thai baht and Singapore dollar also weakened by 0.42% and 0.04% respectively ¹

. This regional trend reflects the broader impact of global uncertainties on emerging market currencies.

Bank Exchange Rates Update

Major Indonesian banks responded to the market changes by updating their dollar exchange rates. Here's a snapshot of their rates:

• Bank Central Asia (BBCA): Buy Rp16,865, Sell Rp16,885 (e-rate); Buy Rp16,725, Sell Rp16,025 (TT Counter & Bank Notes) ¹
  Source 1

  https://finansial.bisnis.com/read/20260113/90/1943818/rupiah-lesu-cek-kurs-dolar-as-di-bmri-bni-bri-dan-bca-hari-ini
• Bank Rakyat Indonesia (BBRI): Buy Rp16,863, Sell Rp16,887 (e-rate); Buy Rp16,770, Sell Rp16,970 (TT Counter)
• Bank Mandiri (BMRI): Buy Rp16,855, Sell Rp16,885 (special rate); Buy Rp16,675, Sell Rp16,975 (TT Counter & Bank Notes)
• Bank Negara Indonesia (BBNI): Buy Rp16,858, Sell Rp16,888 (special rates); Buy Rp16,750, Sell Rp17,000 (TT Counter & Bank Notes)

Market Outlook

The dollar index rose 0.10% to 98.95, indicating a strengthening US currency amid global uncertainties. This trend is likely to continue influencing the rupiah and other emerging market currencies in the near term. Investors and market participants will be closely watching further developments in global geopolitics and economic policies.