Defensive Measures
AS the year comes to an end, the rupiah has gone into free-fall. Last Tuesday, the rupiah reached Rp12,900 to US$1, the lowest level since 2008. Bank Indonesia seemed incapable of reining in the plunge, triggered by the fall in the world price of oil and expectations of the US Federal Reserve rise in interest rates next year.
Although it was dominated by external sentiments, the government must continue to respond seriously to this situation. We cannot regard this as a normal economic phenomenon without really anticipating the steps to be taken regarding its impact on the economy. Conversely, the government must not be seen to be in a panic. Steps taken hurriedly will create public concern and cause the market's further lack of confidence in the rupiah.
December 23, 2014
AS the year comes to an end, the rupiah has gone into free-fall. Last Tuesday, the rupiah reached Rp12,900 to US$1, the lowest level since 2008. Bank Indonesia seemed incapable of reining in the plunge, triggered by the fall in the world price of oil and expectations of the US Federal Reserve rise in interest rates next year.
Although it was dominated by external sentiments, the government must continue to respond seriously to this situation. We
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