Faisal Basri Trump's Value More 'Useful' Strengthens Rupiah Exchange Value

JAKARTA - Senior economist Faisal Basri assessed that if Donald Trump wins in the presidential election (Pilpres) of the United States (US), the incumbent will further assist Indonesia in strengthening the rupiah exchange rate.

"The Republic is diligently printing money for fiscal financing. This has weakened the US dollar compared to other world currencies, including the rupiah," said Faisal Basri in a virtual discussion, Wednesday, November 4.

With what Trump did, according to Faisal Basri, the Indonesian government does not need to work hard in its efforts to maintain the exchange rate of the Garuda currency.

"If Biden wins, I am worried that the external factors that have benefited RI when Trump took office will be in danger of disappearing," he said.

Faisal said that the Democrat Party, which is the bearer of Joe Biden, tends to make it more difficult for countries like Indonesia in terms of bilateral business. According to Faisal Basri, this is different from Trump's Republican Party, which tends to prioritize business profits.

Democrats, he continued, also tend to hold the fiscal deficit and raise taxes for the rich. That will have a positive impact on the economy of Uncle Sam's country, but not for Indonesia.

Faisal also reminded that Indonesia has bad memories regarding the leadership of the US President who came from the Democratic Party. Therefore, he judged, it would be better if Trump won.

"Remember, when Pak Harto fell, he was also the president of the Democratic Party. Do you remember? The Republican Party is good for Indonesia because it is important for business. The oil company was asked to be given facilities, the Freeport should not be disturbed, and the Generalized System of Preferences (GSP) given, "he said.