The Indonesian rupiah extended its decline on Thursday, hovering around IDR 17,750 per U.S. dollar, as stronger U.S. economic data lifted the dollar index and dampened hopes for near-term Federal Reserve easing. Meanwhile, domestic sentiment remained fragile amid ongoing major protests in Jakarta today, with investors wary of potential unrest reminiscent of last year’s turmoil. Caution also persisted ahead of next week’s August inflation data, with El Nino-related weather risks raising concerns over higher food prices, alongside July trade figures amid lingering external pressures and uncertainty in global energy markets. Still, remarks from Destry Damayanti, the sole nominee for Bank Indonesia governor, offered some reassurance. She told parliament that closer policy coordination would not erode the central bank’s independence and stressed that the central bank’s stance will remain centered on stability while supporting growth, reinforcing confidence in policy continuity.