JAKARTA. The rupiah interbank trade rate in Jakarta in Friday’s final trading session appreciated to Rp 12,628 per US dollar from Rp 12,655 per dollar in the earlier trading.

Monex Investindo Futures head of research Ariston Tjendra said that the rupiah was able to strengthen at the close since market players were awaiting the data of the US’ non-farm payrolls (NFP) and the unemployment rate.

“If the NFP data is below the market’s expectation, the rupiah will continue to strengthen in the near future,” Ariston said as quoted by Antara news agency on Friday.

In addition, he said market players were paying attention to China despite the slowing down of its consumer price index and manufacturing sector.

Market players were speculating that the Chinese government would offer stimulus to help accelerate its economy.

“The speculation over the possible stimulus is creating positive trends in the emerging markets, including in Indonesia,” he explained.

Meanwhile, according to Bank Indonesia’s mid-rate data on Friday, the domestic currency was traded at Rp 12,640 per US dollar, up from Rp 12,731 per dollar in the previous trading.

Editor: Barratut Taqiyyah Rafie