Jakarta. A weaker rupiah is beginning to benefit Lombok’s pearl industry, with demand from overseas buyers, particularly in Malaysia and Singapore, rising sharply in the first half of 2026 as Indonesian products become more affordable in foreign currency terms.

Indah Purwanti, a Lombok-based pearl entrepreneur, said international orders have accelerated in recent months, outpacing growth in the domestic market, which accounted for about 90% of her sales last year.

“Since early 2026, we have seen a lot of demand from Malaysia and Singapore,” Indah said in Lombok on Saturday.

She attributed the increase to a combination of aggressive marketing efforts, including participation in international trade fairs, and stronger digital promotion through social media, which has helped introduce Lombok pearls to a wider global audience.

The depreciation of the rupiah has also boosted the competitiveness of Indonesian products abroad. Buyers from Malaysia and Singapore, whose currencies have strengthened against the rupiah, are finding Indonesian goods more affordable than before.

“Foreign customers see our products as cheaper when converted into their own currencies,” Indah said.

The trend has fueled demand for pearl jewelry such as necklaces, earrings, and brooches, which are currently the most sought-after products among overseas consumers. In contrast, sales of loose pearls for business-to-business transactions have softened.

According to Indah, export-oriented demand this month has increased by around 20% compared with previous periods.

However, the surge in sales has not fully translated into higher profits. Production costs have also climbed due to the weaker rupiah, as many components used in pearl jewelry manufacturing — including silver settings, frames, and packaging materials — are imported and priced in foreign currencies.

“Costs are rising because some of our raw materials are imported,” she said. Volatile gold prices have also increased production expenses, forcing businesses to adjust retail prices while maintaining product quality.

Lombok is known for its high-quality South Sea pearls, among the most valuable pearls in the world. Sea pearls typically sell for between Rp 150,000 and more than Rp 500,000 ($8-$28) per gram, while freshwater pearls are considerably cheaper, ranging from Rp 15,000 to Rp 50,000 per piece. Premium-grade pearls with exceptional luster, particularly those crafted into gold or silver jewelry, can fetch millions or even tens of millions of rupiah.

Indah said the weaker rupiah should also be viewed as an opportunity to attract more international tourists to Indonesia, as travel and shopping become relatively cheaper for foreign visitors.

“If more tourists come, hotels, airports, and small businesses will all benefit. The economic impact spreads throughout the region,” she said.

Bloomberg data showed the rupiah strengthened slightly on Saturday morning, gaining 9 points, or 0.05 percent, to Rp 17,836 per US dollar in the spot market.

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