RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta - The Indonesian rupiah weakened at the start of this week's trading and held near 18,000 against the US dollar. Analysts expect the currency to trade between 17,980 and 18,050 as the US Dollar Index strengthens toward 101.

The stronger US dollar pressured the rupiah. Investors remain cautious as global market sentiment favors the US currency.

Meanwhile, Indonesia's benchmark stock index (IHSG) opens higher at 5,893 before easing slightly to 5,864 during the morning session. The market remained supported by gains across most Asian stock markets despite pressure from the weaker rupiah.

This week brings several important economic reports from Indonesia. The market is waiting for data on foreign exchange reserves, consumer confidence, retail sales, and motor vehicle sales to assess the country's economic outlook.

Global investors also focus on key events in the United States. The Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) meeting and the US 10-year Treasury bond auction could influence bond yields and affect the rupiah's performance.

These major events are likely to shape market sentiment throughout the week. Any changes in expectations for US interest rates could trigger fresh movements in regional financial markets.

Gold prices were steady at around 4,178 US dollars per ounce, or about 2.43 million rupiah per gram. The precious metal recently reached 4,200 US dollars per ounce during trading outside Asian market hours.

Gold continues to receive support from expectations that the US Federal Reserve may delay its next interest rate increase. As long as those expectations persist, gold prices could hold up in the near term.

Writer: Gunawan Benjamin (Economist, Islamic University of North Sumatra)