TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The rupiah exchange rate decreased dramatically again, Tuesday, September 18. Based on the Jakarta Interbank Spot Dollar Rate, it reached Rp14,908 per US dollar.
The rate decreased by 49 points compared to Monday, September 17, which was Rp14,859 per US dollar. Based on RTI Business at 11:14 am, the rate reached Rp14,921 per US dollar.
Bank Indonesia Deputy Governor Dody Budi Waluyo is optimistic that the pressure on the rupiah will improve.
“With this number, the pressure on the rupiah should improve, if compared with last month, unless the market estimation is lower,” said Dody at the Ministry of Finance Office, Jakarta, Monday, September 17.
Read also: Bank Indonesia Pledges to Keep Rupiah Attractive
The Central Statistics Agency (BPS) announced Indonesia’s trade balance in August 2018 had a deficit of US$1,02 billion. This is smaller than last month, at US$2,01 billion. It was triggered by the oil and gas sector deficit of US$1,66 billion, while the surplus non-oil and gas sector was US$0,64 billion.
Dody said the government still had the policy to boost exports that could have an impact on the stability of the rupiah exchange rate. "The depreciation of the rupiah could be a competitive factor in terms of exports," he said.
CAESAR AKBAR
