Indonesia Rupiah 'Dive' Saves Aussies Bali Holiday

Indonesia Rupiah 'Dive' Saves Aussies Bali Holiday

As the Australian dollar continues to 'head south' many Australians are now, once again looking north; to Bali where, thanks to the rapid fall in the Indonesia rupiah over the past few months, holidays are still 'amazing value' according to an Australian 'think tank'.

Ross Taylor, the chairman of the Indonesia Institute that is based in Western Australia, said today that the Indonesian rupiah had fallen almost 9% against the US dollar and Euro over the past few months amidst deteriorating economic conditions in Indonesia.

"As the Aussie dollar has been falling from its highs of just four months ago", said Mr. Taylor, "the good news for Aussie holiday-makers is that the Indonesia rupiah has been coming down as well, thus ensuring Australians, on holiday in Bali, are still finding food, accommodation and services remarkably cheap."

Mr. Taylor said that the rapid fall in the Aussie dollar had impacted slightly on our purchasing power for the rupiah, but it was 'only marginal'.

"We have seen the Aussie dollar fall from buying around 10,000 thousand rupiah to near 9,200", said Mr. Taylor, "but traditionally we get about Rp8,000 so at the current rate it is still very good value when compared to other currencies where the Aussie has fallen far more dramatically".

The only people who are disappointed in the relative strength of the Aussie dollar against the rupiah, is in the inbound tourist sector and education; both of whom need a lower dollar to attract more Indonesians to study and holiday here.

Mr. Taylor leaves for Indonesia this week for meetings with senior government officials after being named as Australia's 'Presidential Friend of Indonesia for 2013'. He will attend Indonesia's National Day celebrations as the guest of the President, along with ten other representatives from various countries.

Amongst the discussions with officials will be the live cattle export issue, Indonesian fishermen being caught-up in the 'people smuggling' trade and what the institute sees as 'an urgent need' for Australia and Indonesia to upgrade the exchange of young people between the two countries as part of the 'Asian Century' vision.

"When you consider that last year, 100% more young people came to Australia on 'Holiday and work' visas from Bangladesh than from our nearest neighbour, we are obviously doing something wrong", said Mr. Taylor.

And as for Bali, over 900,000 Australians will travel to their 'Paradise Island' over the next 12 months. But Indonesia needs to be attracting Australians to see 'the real Indonesia' with its natural beauty and friendly people.

"A falling rupiah will help maintain strong tourist growth and that is a good thing for holidaying Aussies; and the Indonesian island of Bali".

ENDS

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