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Investors flee Indonesia as stocks tumble, rupiah hits record lows

Bloomberg Markets •
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Investors are fleeing Indonesia markets at an unprecedented rate, prompting a wave of sell orders that has been dubbed a “sell Indonesia” rally across trading desks worldwide. Shares in Jakarta’s bourse have slumped faster than any other equity market this year, while the rupiah has slipped toward historic lows, eroding foreign‑currency exposure for portfolio managers.

The rout follows President Prabowo’s recent consolidation of political power, which has raised concerns about policy direction and regulatory certainty. Market participants cite potential shifts in fiscal spending, infrastructure contracts and foreign‑investment rules as catalysts for the sharp outflow. Hedge funds and sovereign wealth funds alike have trimmed exposure, fearing a prolonged correction.

With the stock sell‑off and currency plunge deepening, regional indices are under pressure and Indonesia’s cost of capital is rising. Export‑oriented firms face tighter financing, while domestic consumers confront higher import prices. The immediate impact is a weaker investment climate that could deter new projects until stability returns.

Asset managers are revising forecasts, cutting Indonesia’s weight in emerging‑market baskets and reallocating to higher‑yielding alternatives in Southeast Asia. The shift underscores how quickly political uncertainty can translate into capital flight, reminding investors that governance risk remains a core component of valuation models.