Economists Split on Whether BI Holds or Cuts This Month
Jakarta. Most economists expect Bank Indonesia to keep its benchmark rate at 4.75 percent at the November 2025 Board of Governors Meeting scheduled for announcement on Wednesday.
Maybank Indonesia Global Markets Economist Myrdal Gunarto said maintaining the current rate is the most reasonable option amid the rupiah’s continued volatility and weaker trend against the US dollar. According to him, the currency’s movement still calls for stabilization measures from the central bank.
Myrdal also pointed to increasing global uncertainty, with market views split on the Federal Reserve’s policy direction next month even as expectations grow that US interest rates will remain unchanged. “This, in my view, is the main factor driving BI to hold the benchmark rate at 4.75 percent this month,” said Myrdal.
A similar view came from Teuku Riefky, Macroeconomics and Financial Market Economist at the University of Indonesia’s Institute for Economic and Social Research (LPEM). He said inflationary pressure has started to pick up and could rise further heading into seasonal demand peaks.
At the same time, capital outflows have accelerated despite the Fed’s rate cut in October. Between mid-October and mid-November, Indonesia saw net outflows amounting to $950 million from its bond and equity markets, largely due to foreign selling in government securities.
Riefky attributed the trend to growing concerns over fiscal and quasi-fiscal risks, especially following the government’s plan to take over part of the Whoosh high-speed rail project’s debt.
The rupiah has since weakened from Rp 16,555 per US dollar in mid-October to around Rp 16,695 by mid-November, down roughly 0.85 percent.
Permata Bank’s Head of Macroeconomic and Financial Market Research, Faisal Rachman, also expects BI to keep the rate unchanged this month given persistent global uncertainty and risk-off sentiment. Still, he sees some room for easing.
“We still see the possibility of a 25-basis-point cut in December 2025, but this depends on inflation developments, the rupiah, and capital inflows, as well as how the Fed positions itself regarding further cuts to the Fed Funds Rate,” he said.
In contrast, Bank Syariah Indonesia Chief Economist Banjaran Surya Indrastomo projects a 25-basis-point cut this month to 4.50 percent. He said a more accommodative stance could help support economic momentum toward year-end.
“Room for easing has widened after the Fed’s rate cut in October,” he said.
Even so, Banjaran highlighted several risks that may limit future easing, including the rupiah’s recent weakness, Rp 9.6 trillion in government bond outflows from Nov. 1–13, and October inflation rising to 2.86 percent year-on-year.
“BI is therefore expected to keep adjusting its policies to maintain currency stability and remain attractive for foreign investors,” he said.
Related Articles
JCI Slides 1.23% as US-Iran Tensions and BI Rate Hike Weigh on Market
JCI dropped 1.23% as renewed US-Iran tensions and Bank Indonesia’s rate hike pressured investor sentiment.BI Raises Rates to Defend Rupiah, Attract Foreign Capital
BI says its rate hike aims to stabilize the rupiah and lure foreign capital amid global market pressures and rising dollar demand.Indonesia Posts $9.1 Billion Balance of Payments Deficit in First Quarter
Indonesia recorded a $9.1 billion balance of payments deficit in the first quarter as global uncertainty weighed on trade and capital flows.Indonesia's Exporters Can Hold Proceeds Onshore in Chinese Yuan
In about a week from now, most exporters of natural resources must park their earnings onshore for at least a year.Bank Indonesia Allows Export Earnings Deposits in Non-US Currencies
Bank Indonesia has expanded allowable currencies for export earnings deposits, reducing reliance on the US dollar.Indonesia Stocks Slide as BI Rate Hike, Export Policy Rattle Investors
Indonesian stocks fell as BI’s surprise rate hike and commodity export control plans rattled investor confidence.BI Raises Rates to 5.25% as Middle East Turmoil Hits Rupiah
Bank Indonesia raised rates by 50 bps to 5.25%, exceeding forecasts as policymakers moved to defend the rupiah.Rupiah Weakens Ahead of BI Rate Decision, Prabowo’s Fiscal Policy Speech
Rupiah weakened to Rp 17,743 per US dollar as markets awaited BI’s rate decision and Prabowo’s economic policy speech.JCI Weakens Below 6,400 Amid Commodity Export Concerns
JCI extended losses as rumors of tighter commodity export controls fueled investor concerns over corporate margins.Indonesia Cuts Dollar Purchase Limit to $25,000 to Defend Rupiah Effective in June
Indonesia will halve the limit for dollar purchases without underlying transactions as authorities seek to stabilize the rupiah.The Latest
Rupiah Hits Rp 17,926 Against US Dollar Amid Oil Surge and Geopolitical Risks
Rupiah fell to Rp 17,926 per US dollar as rising oil prices, Middle East tensions, and strong dollar demand weighed on sentiment.Indonesia to Cut Royalty Income Tax for Writers to 1.5%
The tax cuts will be available for authors who publish work with a clear International Standard Book Number (ISBN).Shinhan Bank Indonesia Launches Flazz Top-Up Feature on SOL Indonesia Application
Shinhan Bank Indonesia enables seamless Flazz top-ups via the SOL Indonesia mobile banking app.Prosecutors Confirm Raid on National Nutrition Agency Office
Indonesian prosecutors confirmed a raid on the National Nutrition Agency a day after President Prabowo replaced its leadership.Indonesia’s C-130 Hercules Repair Center to See Progress by 2028
Washington has picked Indonesia to be Asia’s hub for maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) of the C-130 Hercules.Most Popular
