RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta - Pressure on the Indonesian rupiah has prompted Bank Indonesia (BI) to tighten rules on the purchase of US dollars without underlying transactions. The measure aims to curb speculation and stabilize the exchange rate amid global uncertainty.

BI Governor Perry Warjiyo said the policy builds on earlier tightening steps. “We are lowering the limit on dollar purchases in the domestic market without underlying transactions, from USD 100,000 per person per month to USD 50,000,” Perry said in Jakarta on Tuesday, May 6, 2026, as quoted by Antara.

He added that the limit will be further reduced to USD 25,000 to strengthen market oversight. “Purchases of US dollars above USD 25,000 must be supported by underlying transactions,” he said.

Underlying transactions refer to documents such as import invoices or service payment records that reflect genuine economic needs. The rule is intended to prevent speculative activity from fueling demand for dollars.

BI is implementing the policy in coordination with the Financial System Stability Committee (KSSK). Oversight is also being tightened on banks and corporations engaged in large-scale foreign exchange purchases.

The central bank is working with the Financial Services Authority (OJK) to ensure compliance. Supervisors have been deployed directly to monitor the implementation of the rules.

Perry stressed that stronger supervision is essential to prevent volatility caused by dollar demand not based on real economic activity.

In Tuesday’s trading, the rupiah weakened by 30 points (0.17 percent) to IDR 17,424 per USD, down from its previous close of IDR 17,394. The depreciation reflects market pressures that authorities aim to mitigate through these restrictive measures. ***