ASKARA - The Chairman of the Legal Aid Institute (LBH) of the Great Indonesia Christian Movement (GEKIRA), Dr. Santrawan T. Paparang, S.H., M.H., M.Kn., believes that the various measures taken by President Prabowo Subianto to strengthen the rupiah and reduce Indonesia's dependence on the U.S. dollar are appropriate strategies to reinforce the nation's economic sovereignty.

According to Santrawan, pressures on the currencies of many countries, including Indonesia, cannot be separated from global economic dynamics, geopolitical tensions, U.S. interest rate policies, and shifts in international trade flows. Therefore, efforts to strengthen domestic economic fundamentals are essential and deserve continued support.

"President Prabowo understands that a nation's strength is determined not only by its defense capabilities but also by its economic resilience. Therefore, strategies aimed at strengthening the rupiah and reducing the dominance of the U.S. dollar should be viewed as part of broader efforts to build national economic independence," Santrawan said in a statement on Monday (June 15, 2026).

He stated that expanding the use of local currencies in international trade transactions, strengthening downstream industries, enhancing food and energy security, and increasing foreign exchange reserves are strategic policies that will have long-term benefits for Indonesia's economy.

Santrawan explained that excessive dependence on the U.S. dollar makes many countries vulnerable to global economic shocks. Therefore, trade diversification and the strengthening of the real sector must continue to be encouraged.

"Mr. Prabowo has a vision for Indonesia not merely to become a market, but to emerge as a productive nation with higher added value. The downstream processing of natural resources, food self-sufficiency, and the strengthening of national industries will ultimately reinforce the rupiah and enhance the resilience of the national economy," he said.

As Chairman of LBH GEKIRA, Santrawan also emphasized that strengthening the rupiah cannot be achieved overnight. According to him, it requires policy consistency, political stability, legal certainty, and the support of all elements of society.

"We cannot view exchange rate issues solely from a short-term perspective. What is more important is building strong economic foundations so that Indonesia is not easily affected by external shocks," he said.

He added that the success of the national economic strategy also depends on a healthy investment climate and legal certainty that provides confidence and security for businesses.

"From the perspective of law and governance, regulatory certainty is a crucial factor in attracting investment, creating jobs, and increasing national productivity. All of these factors will ultimately contribute to strengthening the rupiah," he explained.

Santrawan expressed optimism that through a combination of prudent fiscal policies, stronger domestic production sectors, and the courage to implement strategic measures, President Prabowo Subianto's administration will be able to guide Indonesia toward greater economic self-reliance.

"The ultimate goal is not merely to weaken the U.S. dollar, but to ensure that Indonesia's economy becomes increasingly independent, that the people enjoy greater prosperity, and that the nation secures a stronger and more respected position in the global economic arena," the GEKIRA Legal Aid Chairman concluded.