Airlangga told an economic forum exporters can convert their foreign currency earnings into rupiah but stressed that it was not mandatory. Once the new rules are issued, firms will be allowed three months to comply, he said.
It was unclear when the new rules would be issued. They will apply to proceeds from shipments of natural resources and their derivative products. "Not only do we export the resources, but the results of those exports can be enjoyed at home," he said.
Some bankers say the measures will spur repatriation of
offshore funds and help anchor the rupiah, though how much will
flow into Indonesia remains unclear.
(Reporting by Gayatri Suroyo; Writing by Stanley Widianto;
Editing by Kanupriya Kapoor)
